NASA to Fly 'Helicopter' on Next Mars Exploration Mission

Development of Mars Exploration Drone 'Ingenuity'
Capable of Flying in Mars Atmosphere, Only 1% of Earth's
Challenges Remain in Overcoming Temperature and Sandstorms

A computer-generated graphic video depicting the Ingenuity helicopter embarking on a Mars surface exploration alongside the rover. / Photo by NASA website

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Ju-hyung] NASA has announced that it will complete the development of a helicopter to be sent to Mars by the 30th, drawing significant attention.

NASA expects that sending a helicopter along with a rover on the next Mars exploration mission will dramatically expand the range of exploration.

However, several challenges remain, including overcoming the vastly different atmospheric conditions on Mars compared to Earth.

On the 15th (local time), NASA unveiled the Mars exploration helicopter 'Ingenuity'.

At that time, NASA stated, "When our 2020 Mars exploration mission begins, we will experiment with operating Ingenuity," adding, "Ingenuity weighs only about 1.8 kg, but our ambitions are much greater."

NASA compared the development of Ingenuity to the achievements of the Wright brothers, who invented the world's first airplane, emphasizing, "If the Wright brothers proved that flying machines could operate in Earth's atmosphere, Ingenuity will accomplish the same feat on Mars."

Ingenuity is a small drone equipped with two carbon fiber rotor blades. It obtains power through solar cells and batteries attached to its body.

NASA believes that if Ingenuity succeeds in flying on Mars, it could revolutionize Mars exploration missions. Until now, Mars exploration missions have been conducted using rovers equipped with cameras and other exploration instruments. However, being able to observe the Martian surface from the air would significantly increase the exploration range.

NASA's miniature helicopter 'Ingenuity' to be sent on the Mars exploration scheduled for the 30th (local time) / Photo by NASA

The problem lies in the fact that Mars' atmospheric environment is different from Earth's. Mars' atmosphere is only about 1% of Earth's, and nighttime temperatures can drop to minus 90 degrees Celsius, which could cause mechanical devices to freeze.

Occasional 'dust storms' on the Martian surface are also problematic. Once they start, they can last for several months, and dust particles can block sunlight, cutting off power to the exploration vehicles.

To address these issues, NASA increased Ingenuity's rotor speed to 2,400 revolutions per minute, several times faster than helicopters carrying people on Earth. Additionally, NASA has been adjusting the design by flying Ingenuity in a laboratory environment that closely simulates Mars.

NASA plans to send Ingenuity on the Mars exploration mission scheduled for the 30th to conduct a true 'Mars flight test.' After flying Ingenuity in the actual Martian atmosphere, they will collect related data to eventually complete a genuine aircraft for Mars.

Mimi Aung, a researcher at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in charge of the Mars helicopter project, explained, "Today, we are exploring Mars through orbiters and ground rovers. In the future, helicopters will serve as scouts for astronauts."

She added, "All experiences will nourish our future. We have completed all possible tests on Earth, so we hope it will operate normally on Mars as well."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.