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
Aug 27, 2012
New Space is not just for private rockets anymore
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Franco-German accord on Ariane 6 costs lays groundwork for budget debate
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HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - The U.S. Army is making headway with plans to demonstrate the utility of nanosatellites and small, low-cost, mobile launchers. (Kestrel image: U.S. Army)
Aug 20, 2012
Why launch a new satellite when you can reuse an old one, asks Pentagon's research agency
Aug 20, 2012
As defense budgets decline, angst about pink slips
Aug 20, 2012
Growing government interest spurs smallsat technologies
Aug 20, 2012
The landing site is giving mission planners pause as they consider where Curiosity should start its exploration.
Aug 20, 2012
More than one-third of A&D employees under 30 are looking for another position within their current organization