NASA Unveils 3-Helicopter SkyFall Mars Concept Ahead of 2028 Ice-Mapping Mission
Updated
Updated · Popular Science · Aug 16
NASA Unveils 3-Helicopter SkyFall Mars Concept Ahead of 2028 Ice-Mapping Mission
3 articles · Updated · Popular Science · Aug 16
Summary
NASA released new concept art showing three SkyFall helicopters scanning Mars, previewing a mission slated to launch aboard Space Reactor-1 Freedom in late 2028.
The aircraft are designed to fly low and slow to detect shallow subsurface ice remotely, using ground-penetrating radar, near-infrared surface mapping, visible-light imaging and temperature monitoring.
A flexible antenna made with polyester and Vectran recently cleared Jet Propulsion Laboratory testing, allowing the helicopters to operate close to the ground without damaging landing gear or sensors.
Unlike Ingenuity, which relied on Perseverance as a relay, SkyFall is designed to send data directly to spacecraft orbiting Mars, expanding its independence and mapping reach.