Today, we will discuss the new ways to use aircraft robots technology in Space. Unmanned aerial vehicles have already tightly “occupied” the Earth and not far off is the day when they can appear on Mars and other planets having atmosphere. This moment is getting closer due to the implementation NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory of the program called “Mars Helicopter”. Within the program there will be developed the aircraft- helicopter acting as a “heavenly eye” to his colleagues traveling on the surface of the planet.
Situation of Robots
Currently, Mars exploration is being conducted nearly the same way. There are several rovers; two of them still “crawl” on the surface on Mars. There are orbiters fixing everything happening on the planet. The idea on basis of the program “Mars Helicopter” is to give landers or rovers the opportunity to avoid ground obstacles, move through the optimal route and do other things that can greatly accelerate the research of Red Planet and help it to avoid damage and reduce the damage of expensive equipment.
Why We Need this Technology
In order to be able to fly in the Martian atmosphere, 100 times thinner than Earth’s atmosphere, the blades of the Martian helicopter should rotate at extremely high speeds, providing a required level of lift. Aircraft Mars Helicopter, the weight of which will not exceed 1 kilogram, and the scope of the blades will be equal to 1 meter, will be driven by the energy of sunlight, which is enough to make a flight with duration of a few minutes. But those few minutes can become an invaluable aid in the exploration of Mars. However, the management of NASA plans to go far beyond the development of individual aircraft.
Short Summery
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory is developing the “Mars mission Helicopter” program to enhance Mars exploration. This aircraft will act as a “heavenly eye” for rovers, helping them navigate and avoid any obstacles. The helicopter is less than 1 kilogram with a 1-meter blade span, will fly in Mars’ thin atmosphere using solar energy. These short flights will significantly aid in Mars research by providing better navigation and reducing equipment damage.
For more details visit https://hesnews.com.