• Engineers at JPL and AeroVironment tested rotors that reached Mach 1.08 in a simulated Mars environment.
  • The new rotors provide a 30% increase in lift capability, crucial for the SkyFall mission that will send three helicopters to Mars.
  • The SkyFall mission could launch as early as late 2028 aboard a nuclear-powered spacecraft, SR-1.
  • The helicopters will be larger and heavier than Ingenuity, capable of carrying advanced sensors and larger batteries.
  • Breaking the sound barrier with the rotors was achieved without damage, paving the way for heavier scientific payloads.

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