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
Jun 26, 2014
The U. S. Navy's Pacific Missile Range Facility has cleared launch attempts for June 28, 29 and 30, July 1 and 3.
Jun 25, 2014
U.S. voters will determine spaceflight future in 2016
Jun 24, 2014
International Space Station partners are beginning to discuss expanding use of the orbital outpost to test “extensible” technology for the long trek to the surface of Mars, with a new pressurized module and year-long tours for as many as a dozen crew members among the topics under consideration.
Jun 24, 2014
European joint venture could scrap solid-fueled Ariane 6 design and give Germany larger role
Jun 24, 2014
NanoRacks and Astrium North America are preparing to deploy a $5 million privately funded accommodation for commercial payloads outside the International Space Station, as the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (Casis) continues its effort to promote commercial activities on the orbiting laboratory.
Jun 24, 2014
"When you are exploring another planet, you expect surprises," notes Jim Erickson, NASA's Curiosity project manager.
Jun 23, 2014
‘Rationales’ for human space exploration run from the scientific to survival
Jun 23, 2014
Mars is the near-term exploration goal; here are some of the hurdles in the way