At the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, scientists and engineers have created something amazing: a helicopter designed to fly on Mars! This incredible machine is part of the Mars 2020 mission and will be the first to achieve powered flight on another planet.
Flying on Mars is tough because its atmosphere is super thin, only about 1% as dense as Earth’s. Imagine trying to fly a helicopter at 100,000 feet above Earth—that’s what it’s like on Mars! To make it work, the Mars helicopter’s blades must spin really fast, between 2,300 and 2,900 revolutions per minute (rpm), compared to just 500 rpm for helicopters on Earth.
The helicopter is super lightweight, weighing less than 1.8 kilograms (about 4 pounds). Each rotor blade is made from a foam core covered with carbon fiber, weighing only 35 grams. This light design is crucial for lifting off in Mars’ thin atmosphere.
The helicopter can fly for up to 90 seconds at a time. While that might not sound long, it’s a big deal given Mars’ conditions. Engineers chose a two-rotor design instead of a quadcopter to make the blades long enough for good lift. The counter-rotating propellers help by improving airflow.
To prepare for Mars, engineers test the helicopter in a special 25-foot chamber that mimics Mars’ atmospheric pressure. Simulating Mars’ gravity was tricky, so they used a high-tech fishing reel to create the effect of reduced gravity.
Even in the thin atmosphere, the helicopter makes a loud “baaaaaaaaah” sound when flying. It’s controlled by onboard sensors like gyros, accelerometers, and cameras, allowing it to fly on its own without human help from Earth.
Mars has dust storms, but the thin air means strong winds don’t affect the helicopter much. Engineers tested it in a wind tunnel to ensure it can handle Mars’ environment.
The helicopter’s battery is about the size of three smartphone batteries. It needs to last all day on Mars, but most of the energy keeps it warm during cold Martian nights, leaving only a third for flying.
Before flying, the helicopter must survive the journey to Mars, including extreme conditions and vibrations. Once there, the rover will release it using explosive devices to free it from its stowed position.
The first flight will be a “selfie,” capturing images of both the helicopter and the rover. The best time to fly is around 11 a.m. local Mars time, when conditions are just right.
The main goal of the Mars helicopter is to show that powered flight is possible on another planet. While it can take color photos and videos, its primary job is to gather data to help design future flying machines for Mars exploration.
If the Mars helicopter succeeds, it could lead to future aircraft that scout for rovers, collect samples, and explore hard-to-reach places. This innovation could change how we explore other worlds, opening up new possibilities in space exploration.
Using lightweight materials like foam and cardboard, create a model of the Mars helicopter. Pay attention to the design features like the rotor blades and the lightweight structure. Discuss with your classmates how these features help the helicopter fly in Mars’ thin atmosphere.
Calculate the difference in revolutions per minute (rpm) between Earth helicopters and the Mars helicopter. If a typical Earth helicopter spins at 500 rpm, and the Mars helicopter spins between 2,300 and 2,900 rpm, what is the percentage increase in rpm for the Mars helicopter?
Conduct an experiment to understand the challenges of flying in a thin atmosphere. Use a fan to simulate wind and try to lift a lightweight object with different rotor speeds. Discuss how the thin atmosphere of Mars affects flight compared to Earth’s atmosphere.
Work in groups to design a mission that uses the Mars helicopter to explore a specific area on Mars. Consider what scientific data you would want to collect and how the helicopter’s capabilities can help achieve your mission goals.
Discuss how the Mars helicopter manages its energy, especially during cold Martian nights. Create a plan to optimize energy usage for a day on Mars, ensuring the helicopter can perform its tasks while staying warm.
Mars – The fourth planet from the Sun in our solar system, known for its reddish appearance and being a focus of space exploration. – Scientists are studying the surface of Mars to understand if it could support human life in the future.
Helicopter – A type of aircraft that achieves flight through rotating blades, allowing it to hover, take off, and land vertically. – Engineers designed a small helicopter to explore the surface of Mars, where it can fly in the thin atmosphere.
Flight – The act or process of flying through the air, often achieved by overcoming the force of gravity. – The flight of the Mars helicopter was a significant achievement, demonstrating that controlled flight is possible on another planet.
Atmosphere – The layer of gases surrounding a planet, which can affect conditions such as temperature and pressure. – Mars has a much thinner atmosphere than Earth, which poses challenges for landing spacecraft safely.
Engineers – Professionals who apply scientific and mathematical principles to design and build structures, machines, and systems. – Engineers worked together to create a rover that could withstand the harsh conditions on Mars.
Design – The process of creating a plan or blueprint for a structure, system, or component, often to solve a specific problem. – The design of the Mars rover includes solar panels to power its instruments and cameras.
Gravity – The force that attracts objects with mass toward each other, such as the pull between the Earth and objects on it. – The gravity on Mars is about $0.38$ times that of Earth, which affects how rovers and other equipment operate on its surface.
Battery – A device that stores and provides electrical energy for powering electronic devices and machinery. – The rover’s battery is charged by solar panels, allowing it to continue exploring Mars even when the Sun is not shining directly.
Exploration – The act of traveling through an unfamiliar area to learn more about it, often involving scientific investigation. – The exploration of Mars has provided valuable data about the planet’s geology and potential for past life.
Data – Information collected through observation, measurement, or research, often used for analysis and decision-making. – The data sent back from Mars helps scientists understand the planet’s climate and surface conditions.
