NASA and AeroVironment are developing Skyfall helicopters for Mars

NASA and AeroVironment have begun developing three new helicopters named Skyfall, planned for launch to the Red Planet. One.uz reports.

These devices are being created as a logical continuation of the Ingenuity rover's technologies and are designed to search for ice deposits on the surface of Mars and to expand scientific research. As reported by Ixbt.com, the project is being implemented by JPL under a contract, but its financial value has not yet been determined.

Technical specifications and scientific instruments Each Skyfall helicopter weighs 2.5–2.7 kilograms, which is heavier than Ingenuity's 1.8 kg. As its main scientific instrument, a ground-penetrating radar with an adaptive antenna has been selected, providing inspection of the ground structure to a depth of 12 to 60 centimeters.

This will allow scientists to identify and study surface ice layers. Additionally, high-resolution cameras, dosimeters, and temperature sensors are installed.

An expanded solar panel serves to provide continuous power for powerful electronics and scientific equipment. Independent operation and mission tasks Unlike Ingenuity, Skyfall helicopters are equipped with a direct communication system with spacecraft in Mars orbit, allowing them to operate independently.

They will be launched without a Mars rover, rather than attached to the Perseverance rover. The three helicopters will jointly explore various regions of Mars, collecting data on complex terrain and surface structure more quickly.

The mission is planned to launch at the end of 2028 using a nuclear-electric propulsion rocket. The project is aimed at demonstrating the scientific reconnaissance capabilities of a fleet of autonomous flying vehicles and implementing the next technological step after Ingenuity.