First Flight On Mars

On April 19, NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter became the first aircraft to fly on another planet.

Our most recent package details the historic first flight of the 4-lb. robotic rotorcraft, which lasted 39.1 seconds, and its follow-up venture on April 22, and looks ahead to its future test program. The technology lays the groundwork for aerial exploration of Mars, an aeronautical feat given the air density of Mars is less than 1% of the density on Earth. See below for more.

“How do we use aerial mobility in the future on Mars, to help not just robotic exploration, but to help human exploration?”
Ellen Stofan
Smithsonian
Jan 26, 2015
Thanks to relatively abundant power, improved data links and a unique orbit, the ISS is an attractive vantage point for instruments designed to study Earth. Researchers are taking notice.
Jan 26, 2015
France seeks European partners for Musis imaging satellite program.
Jan 23, 2015
A preview of programs and issues to watch for during the first week of February, when the Pentagon makes its budget request to Congress.
Jan 21, 2015
The Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity has reached its highest point on the surface of Mars, after almost 11 years and 25.8 mi. of solar-powered roving.
Jan 21, 2015
"We know so much about the solar system and yet so little about dwarf planet Ceres," said Marc Rayman, Dawn's mission manager. "Now, Dawn is ready to change that."
Jan 21, 2015
Dueling global satellite Internet systems could be on the horizon if plans by SpaceX and OneWeb come to fruition.
Jan 19, 2015
Work on air-launch space access projects hits all-time high as test flights loom.
Jan 15, 2015
SpaceX’s near-term plans for U.S. government work have been thwarted by certification requirements.