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
Nov 03, 2025
Vast has begun orbital operations of a technology demonstration satellite hosting subsystems and components for its planned Haven-1 crewed orbital outpost.
Oct 31, 2025
SpaceX proposes revised blast-danger zones for Starship launch activities in Florida.
Oct 30, 2025
On the cover of the June 29, 1970 issue, the Soyuz space vehicle is seen receiving final preparation for launch at the Russian space center Tyuratam.
Oct 30, 2025
America’s launch sites are undergoing massive transformations to support a new era in space.
Oct 28, 2025
With ambitions to become the “LAX of spaceports,” Vandenberg SFB is preparing for a new launch era.
Oct 27, 2025
Space will be in the spotlight at Dubai Airshow 2025 with its largest-ever Space Pavilion, organised in partnership with the UAE Space Agency.
Oct 24, 2025
Trump’s Golden Dome is driving calls for a new layer in the Pentagon’s future on-orbit architecture.
Oct 24, 2025
The Japanese space junk removal startup finds its technology has coveted military applications.