The Mars Helicopter is a Solar-Powered Robotic Explorer
Rahul Kalvapalle — January 30, 2015 — Tech
The Mars helicopter is a robotic helicopter being developed by NASA to scout the Martian landscape and return data to engineers on Earth, who can use the data to map out the best route for Mars rovers.
The Mars helicopters are diminutive, about the size of a tissue box. They would be sent out to fly ahead of rovers and use cameras and an array of sensors to scope out interesting features and challenging obstacles, helping rover engineers figure out the quickest and least hazardous route.
The helicopter will have to be lightweight and cannot weigh more than 1 kg, and will likely have a pair of blades spanning 1.1 meters. Such large blades are required due to the thinness of Mars' atmosphere, which will require powerful blades to generate lift.
The Mars helicopters are diminutive, about the size of a tissue box. They would be sent out to fly ahead of rovers and use cameras and an array of sensors to scope out interesting features and challenging obstacles, helping rover engineers figure out the quickest and least hazardous route.
The helicopter will have to be lightweight and cannot weigh more than 1 kg, and will likely have a pair of blades spanning 1.1 meters. Such large blades are required due to the thinness of Mars' atmosphere, which will require powerful blades to generate lift.
Trend Themes
1. Robotic Martian Scouts - Opportunity for robotic helicopter technology to be used for scouting missions on other planets.
2. Data Mapping for Mars Rovers - Opportunity to utilize data gathered by robotic scouts to optimize routes for Mars rover missions.
3. Lightweight and Powerful Blades - Opportunity to develop lightweight and powerful blade technology for use in thin atmospheres.
Industry Implications
1. Space Exploration - Space exploration industry can leverage robotic scouts to enhance missions and data collection.
2. Robotics - Robotics industry can develop specialized robotic helicopter technology for scouting purposes.
3. Aerospace Engineering - Aerospace engineering industry can focus on developing lightweight and powerful blades for thin atmosphere conditions.
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