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NASA has unveiled a new Mars design, the "Mars Chopper," which will serve as the successor to the Ingenuity helicopter.

Science and Technology | Dated: 07 Jan 2025

In January 2025, NASA unveiled the design of a new Mars drone called the "Mars Chopper," aimed at advanced exploration of Mars.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - The Mars Chopper is the successor to the 'Ingenuity Helicopter,' which successfully flew over the surface of Mars for over 3 years. It landed alongside the Perseverance Rover in 2020.
  • - Ingenuity Helicopter, a small 1.8 kg helicopter initially designed for 5 experimental test flights over 30 days, exceeded expectations by operating for nearly 3 years, completing 72 flights and flying 30 times farther than originally planned.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) Mars Chopper is created by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), based in Southern California (USA), in collaboration with the Ames Research Center (ARC), also in California.
  • (ii) The Mars Chopper is a drone-like vehicle, about the size of a Support Utility Vehicle (SUV), and has 6 rotors. Each rotor has 6 blades, which are smaller than those on the Ingenuity Helicopter, but they provide better lift.
  • (iii) The Mars Chopper can carry up to 5 kg of equipment and can perform more complex tasks. It can also fly longer distances, up to 3 kilometers (km).

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Recently, NASA unveiled the successor to the Ingenuity helicopter. What is the name of this new design?

Correct Answer: Mars Chopper

🚀 Quick Recap:

About NASA

  • Founder: Dwight D. Eisenhower
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C