Mars Helicopter- Ingenuity

[hibbing]

Anyone else excited about Mars Perseverance rover landing on the 18th? There is a helicopter as part of the mission. I'm super excited, I hope everything goes well!



There is a one minute animation here:


https://mars.nasa.gov/technology/helicopter/


Peace

[Baclava]

1. Yes! A scout drone for the rover, how cool, hope all goes well, Feb 18 is the big day for landing

[Baclava]

2. There is a special on the Smithsonian Channel tonight about Perseverance, this rover is a beast!

A car sized robot that weighs almost a ton. Nuclear battery powered, so no worry about dust storms covering solar panels.

23 cameras of all kinds, some with 5k resolution, and video cameras recording during descent and landing. Essentially, ability to make movies.
It has a ground penetrating radar and a host of scientific instruments, but the drone helicopter will be the one to watch, our first interplanetary aircraft.


If it all lands safely, of course.

[Rhiannon12866]

3. Oh, I am! Thanks so much for posting!

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

4. Amazing. I didn't know Mars had enough of an atmosphere ...

... to give lift to a helicopter or any winged aircraft.

They also say that a parachute will slow the vehicle as it nears the surface. Again, I'm amazed there is that much atmosphere.

Best of luck to NASA on this mission.