NASA has introduced a new helicopter, called the “Mars Chopper,” designed to explore the surface of Mars and other alien worlds with solid surfaces. The drone-like vehicle is about the size of an SUV, with six rotors and smaller blades than its predecessor Ingenuity, which lifted more weight.
The Mars Chopper can carry up to 5 kilograms at a distance of three kilometers, making it suitable for carrying scientific instruments such as imaging and analysis kits. This new model offers improved designs and greater payload capacity compared to Ingenuity.
Unlike Ingenuity, the Mars Chopper will have easier takeoffs and landings due to its increased size and capabilities. According to NASA, scientists can use this helicopter to study large areas of terrain in detail quickly, which rovers cannot safely do.
However, despite these advancements, the new helicopter still faces challenges after Ingenuity’s successful but short-lived exploration period.
Ingenuity operated for almost three years, performing 72 flights and flying farther than planned, but it crashed due to navigation system failures during a test flight. The failure occurred in Jezero Crater’s steep sand ripples, which confused the helicopter’s visual tracking system. Despite being grounded, Ingenuity still sends weather data to Perseverance once a week.
The Mars Chopper is set to support future exploration missions on Mars and other worlds with solid surfaces, offering significant improvements over its predecessor. With improved designs and capabilities, this new drone is expected to make breakthroughs in scientific research and discoveries.
Source: https://www.ndtv.com/science/nasa-unveils-new-mars-drone-design-a-larger-enhanced-version-of-ingenuity-helicopter-7375898