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
Sep 03, 2012
Huntsville company specializes in high-performance optical systems, including sensors and seekers, that exploit the phenomenon behind three-dimensional movies.
Sep 03, 2012
Autonomous lander eyed for Mars missions
Sep 03, 2012
Brooklyn company uses a proprietary process to plate highly reflective mirrors in space systems, lasers and missile countermeasures.
Sep 03, 2012
Curiosity starts trekking toward the target-rich slopes of Mount Sharp
Sep 03, 2012
Technological advances and changing requirements bolster the market for infrared imaging systems and night-vision equipment.
Sep 03, 2012
DLR launches latest round in decade-old Shefex program
Sep 03, 2012
Millimeter-long carbon nanotubes fund use in lightweight, conductive sheets, tapes and wires for aerospace.
Aug 27, 2012
NASA to use tried-and-true approach for new Mars mission