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
Mar 31, 2026
The new administrator shakes up the space agency with plans for lunar base and sunsetting SLS.
Mar 31, 2026
Plans to offer contracts for a commercial space station are on hold again as NASA pitches a government-owned module.
Mar 27, 2026
The agency wants commercial companies to take on a larger role in its Artemis lunar exploration initiative.
Mar 24, 2026
Aviation Week editors discuss the increase in projected Golden Dome costs and what the fiscal 2027 Pentagon budget request may tell us about the umbrella program.
Mar 23, 2026
Gemini 8 spacecraft nears its Agena target vehicle on March 16, 1966, a few minutes before achieving the first docking of two vehicles in space (March 21, page 30).
Mar 19, 2026
European Space Agency Director General Josef Aschbacher is poised to meet with NASA next week to discuss Artemis plans.
Mar 19, 2026
After a roll back to its hangar for a repair and servicing, the Space Launch System rocket was being prepared for another launch try.
Mar 19, 2026
Portions of Southern California, Mexico, and Central America are visible through a clear spot in weather patterns in this photograph taken by the Apollo 12 crew on the cover of the Aviation Week & Space Technology issue dated March 9, 1970.