NASA's Next-Generation Mars Helicopter Mission: SkyFall

• NASA is preparing to launch a trio of 'SkyFall' Mars helicopters to conduct surface and subsurface exploration.
• Each helicopter features four instruments designed to collect subsurface radar data and near-infrared imagery of Martian regolith.
• The mission is scheduled for launch in December 2028 aboard the Space Reactor-1 Freedom.

Project Scope and Objectives

• Mission goals: Building on the success of the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter, which completed 72 flights over three years.
• Primary functions:
  • Large antennas (depicted with green waves) collect subsurface radar data.
  • Near-infrared sensors (depicted with red beams) analyze crushed rock and surface dust.
  • Aerial perspective will assist rover teams in path planning and identifying science-gathering sites.

Development and Management

• Project oversight: Managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) on behalf of the Science Mission Directorate.
• Collaboration: AeroVironment (Arlington, Virginia) will co-design and co-manufacture the helicopters, continuing their partnership with JPL from the Ingenuity project.
• Management: JPL operates the mission under the guidance of Caltech.