AeroVironment, NASA Develop Skyfall Mars Helicopter Concept for Human Landing.

AeroVironment, in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, has revealed a potential future mission concept for next-generation Mars Helicopters called Skyfall. The concept aims to provide critical data and resource mapping for human landing and exploration on Mars. Six scout helicopters would be deployed to explore terrain and water deposits, paving the way for human exploration by 2028. Skyfall is designed to be affordable and technically mature, with a focus on rapid deployment.

AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) have jointly revealed the Skyfall mission concept, a potential future mission for next-generation Mars Helicopters. The concept, designed to aid in human landing and exploration on Mars, aims to provide critical data and resource mapping. The six scout helicopters, part of the Skyfall concept, will be deployed to explore terrain and water deposits, paving the way for human exploration by 2028.

The Skyfall mission leverages the successful Ingenuity Mars Helicopter program, which completed 72 historic flights at Mars' Jezero Crater. The new concept aims to be both affordable and technically mature, focusing on rapid deployment. The "Skyfall Maneuver" is a key innovation, allowing the helicopters to deploy from their entry capsule during descent through the Martian atmosphere, eliminating the need for a landing platform.

The concept is part of a broader public-private partnership, with JPL planning to transfer proven avionics, flight software, and modeling techniques from the Ingenuity program to AeroVironment. This collaboration underscores the potential for future missions to benefit from commercialized technology developed on Mars.

Skyfall is expected to be ready for launch by 2028, aligning with NASA's goal to launch inspiring missions to Mars during favorable launch windows. AeroVironment has already begun internal investments and coordination with NASA JPL to facilitate this potential launch.

The Skyfall mission concept represents a significant step forward in Mars exploration, utilizing advanced autonomous systems to gather critical data for human landing and exploration. As the first mission to use the "Skyfall Maneuver," it offers a novel approach to Mars exploration, promising to expand the range, data collection, and scientific research capabilities.

References:
[1] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/av-reveals-skyfall-future-concept-next-gen-mars-helicopters-for-exploration-and-human-landing-preparation-302513160.html