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Jet Propulsion Laboratory engineers in Pasadena are currently working on a project to build the first drone helicopter to fly to Mars in less than three years.
In collaboration with AeroVironment Inc., a Monrovia-based company that specializes in unmanned aircraft systems and tactical missile systems, the JPL built two Mars engineering development helicopters that have both passed rigorous tests, paving the way for the development and manufacture of a final version of Mars.
Mars Helicopter rotor, landing gear, fuselage shell and solar panel substrate manufactured by AeroVironment Inc. with a fuselage developed by JPL composed of avionics flight, embedded energy, telecom, flight control and sensors. When a final version is ready, it will demonstrate the viability and potential of heavier-than-air vehicles on the red planet.
One of the models was used for in-flight demonstration in the JPL's 25-foot space simulator, and the other for environmental testing – including thermal tests to ensure that the vehicle can withstand the freezing nights of Mars, and vibration testing to make sure it's rugged enough to survive the launch.
AeroVironment is currently building the flight versions of its subsystems of other subsystems in the vehicle that JPL is building, according to an AeroVironment press release. It is expected that the JPL will then install the finished Mars Helicopter in the March 2020 rover for its journey to a Martian landing site that has yet to be determined.
March 2020 is currently scheduled for launch in July 2020. It is expected to reach March in February 2021.
"NASA has a proud history of firsts," said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine , said in May that the JPL has tested the models. "The idea of a helicopter flying in the skies of another planet is thrilling." The Mars helicopter is very promising for our future missions of science, discovery and exploration to Mars. "
" AeroVironment's deep, rich and diverse history of innovation combined with our experience with space planes like Pathfinder and Helios make us particularly suited. "said Wahid Nawabi , president and CEO of AeroVironment
.The company first developed prototypes of underwater helicopters from Mars to test and demonstrate the feasibility of lifting in the aircraft. In May 2016, AeroVironment delivered a prototype Mars Helicopter rotor and landing gear to JPL, which was integrated with a controller developed by JPL.
The JPL did a flight demonstration free in a simulated Mars atmosphere.
In the fall of 2017, AeroVironment delivered major helicopter subsystems, which JPL incorporated into its engineering development models representing Mars.
The Mars Helicopter Project is led by NASA JPL with members of the JPL team, AeroVironment, NASA Ames and NASA Langley.
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