NASA to Launch 3 SkyFall Mars Helicopters in 2028 for Radar and Infrared Data
Updated
Updated · Science@NASA · Aug 6
NASA to Launch 3 SkyFall Mars Helicopters in 2028 for Radar and Infrared Data
3 articles · Updated · Science@NASA · Aug 6
Summary
Three SkyFall helicopters are slated to reach Mars in December 2028, where each aircraft will carry four instruments to gather subsurface radar and near-infrared imagery data.
Large antennas will probe below the surface while other sensors map regolith and surface features, extending NASA's use of aerial scouting for science collection.
Ingenuity's 72 flights over nearly three years helped validate the concept by proving powered flight in Mars' thin atmosphere and aiding Perseverance's route planning and target selection.
JPL manages the project, while AeroVironment — Ingenuity's co-developer — will co-design and co-manufacture the new helicopters for launch aboard Space Reactor-1 Freedom in late 2028.