Almost a year after the completion of the Ingenuity experimental mission on Mars, NASA has unveiled a new concept for the successor to this Martian helicopter. The new vehicle is named Mars Chopper and is significantly larger than its predecessor. Its size is compared to an SUV. And in order for it to fly longer, higher and faster, it was equipped with six rotors, each with six blades, for a total of 36.
NASA has released a visualization of the new helicopter, noting that the project is in the early stages of development. Teddy Tsanetos, project manager, presented the concept during a briefing at the annual meeting of the American Geophysical Union in Washington on December 11.
Ingenuity’s first Martian helicopter was a historic achievement, making the first flight on another planet. Its success opened new possibilities for the exploration of Mars and other planets. With its simple design and durability, Ingenuity became the basis for more sophisticated vehicles.
Mars Chopper will have the ability to transport scientific equipment weighing up to 5 kg and travel up to 3 km in one Martian day. This significantly expands the capabilities of researchers, allowing them to quickly and in detail study large areas, including those that Mars rovers cannot reach.
Ingenuity has paved the way for new technologies. Launched to Mars in February 2021 together with the Perseverance rover, this small 48-centimeter tall, 1.8 kg vehicle made its first successful mission to another planet. Initially only five flights were planned, but Ingenuity exceeded all expectations. It made 72 flights, traveling 14 times farther than planned, collecting data during the two-hour total flight.
However, Ingenuity’s mission ended in January this year after the craft damaged its blades during its 72nd flight due to navigational errors. Despite this, it successfully completed its mission, providing NASA with valuable information for the development of new flying craft. In addition, Ingenuity assisted the Perseverance Mars rover by guiding it through the complex terrain of Mars.
Mars Chopper is intended to continue the work of Ingenuity by filling research gaps. Although Ingenuity has completed its mission, its legacy has left a significant contribution to the study of the Red Planet and opened new horizons for future Mars missions.
Earlier we reported on what destroyed the Ingenuity helicopter.
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