Nearly a year after the conclusion of the Ingenuity experimental mission on Mars, NASA has introduced a new concept for a successor helicopter named Mars Chopper. This new vehicle is significantly larger than its predecessor, with dimensions comparable to an SUV. To enhance its flight capabilities, Mars Chopper is equipped with six rotors, each featuring six blades, totaling 36 blades.
NASA released a visualization of the new helicopter, noting that the project is in the early stages of development. Project lead Teddy Zanetos presented the concept during a briefing at the American Geophysical Union's annual meeting in Washington on December 11.
The original Martian helicopter, Ingenuity, achieved a historic milestone by completing the first flight on another planet. Its success opened new possibilities for exploring Mars and other celestial bodies. Due to its simple design and durability, Ingenuity laid the groundwork for the development of more complex aerial vehicles.
Mars Chopper will have the capability to transport scientific equipment weighing up to 5 kg and cover distances of up to 3 km in a single Martian day. This significantly expands researchers' abilities to quickly and thoroughly investigate large areas, including regions inaccessible to rovers.
Ingenuity paved the way for new technologies. Launched to Mars in February 2021 alongside the Perseverance rover, this small aircraft, standing 48 cm tall and weighing 1.8 kg, successfully completed the first powered flight on another planet. Initially, only five flights were planned, but Ingenuity exceeded all expectations, completing 72 flights and traveling 14 times further than anticipated, gathering data over a total flight time of two hours.
However, in January of this year, the Ingenuity mission concluded after the helicopter sustained blade damage during its 72nd flight due to navigation errors. Despite this, it successfully fulfilled its mission, providing NASA with valuable insights for developing new aerial vehicles. Additionally, Ingenuity assisted the Perseverance rover by guiding it through the challenging Martian terrain.
Mars Chopper aims to continue the work of Ingenuity, filling gaps in exploration. Although Ingenuity has completed its mission, its legacy has made a significant contribution to the study of the Red Planet and opened new horizons for future Martian missions.