NASA thinks a helicopter drone that flies around the Martian as a scout would make the six-wheeled vehicle more efficient. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, JPL says that the companion helicopter would allow the rover to travel three times as far each day. JPL scientists stated that getting around Mars can be difficult. The JPL researchers stressed the fact that NASA’s rovers had provided stunning photographs and information about Mars’ history and composition. The vehicle’s onboard cameras are limited in their ability to see far enough, and images taken by orbiting spacecraft provide the only clues as to its location. A 1kg Martian helicopter drone could fly in front of the Rover and search for interesting areas to explore. They say it would be very useful to have an ultra-low flying helicopter drone that could help determine where to go next. For example, a small, flying aircraft at fifty feet would be able to see more of the surrounding area than what can currently be seen from the rover cameras. The terrain of Mars can be difficult for the rover. It is difficult and slow to traverse a narrow canyon on six wheels. Curiosity is not the latest NASA rover. The terrain on the Red Planet has caused damage to its wheels. The helicopter drone will not have such issues. NASA’s JPL stated that the Mars Helicopter was a proposal to add to Mars Rovers of the Future. The small drone would fly almost daily ahead of its ground-bound counterpart, searching for interesting points and helping NASA engineers to determine the most efficient driving route. Cameras on the drone could take photos of intriguing features that can be used to guide the rover further. The Curiosity rover has traveled slightly more than 7,100 meters (23,300 feet) on the surface of Mars since July 2013, which works out at about 400 meters (1,310 feet) per month. NASA scientists envision a small helicopter that can cover 500 meter (1 ,640 foot) each day. NASA claims the drone will be 1.8m (3.6ft) in length and weigh approximately 1kg (2.25 lbs). NASA’s JPL stated that the current design was a demonstration of proof-of concept technology at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory Pasadena (California). Mars’ conditions are very different to Earth’s. Helicopters are able to lift themselves by cutting through dense atmosphere – Mars’ atmosphere is only 0.6% thicker than Earth’s sea level pressure. The gravity of Mars is 38% less than the gravity on Earth. Video: NASA JPL Engineer Mike Meacham discusses the Martian helicopter drone.
