AeroVironment has secured a contract with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to co-design and co-manufacture three autonomous helicopters for the SkyFall mission to Mars, targeted for a late 2028 launch, according to a company announcement. Three instrumented rotorcraft will be utilized by the project, built to enter the Martian atmosphere, part ways with their delivery spacecraft, make their descent, and touch down using their own propulsion.
Contract Details and Division of Labor for NASA’s SkyFall Mission
Under the agreement announced by AeroVironment, the Arlington, Virginia-based defense technology leader will develop core physical and structural components through its MacCready Works advanced solutions team. According to the company, AeroVironment’s responsibilities include rotor systems, airframes, structures, avionics integration, and accommodations for science payloads. Meanwhile, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory is developing the power system, electronics, algorithms, and software.
The project represents a transition from a future concept to a formally funded planetary science mission. Jeff Rodrian, head of MacCready Works, stated in the company’s release that the partnership aims to build Mars helicopters as a repeatable product line rather than a one-off delivery.
Did you know? The SkyFall aircraft build directly on technology developed for NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter, which completed 72 historic flights at Jezero Crater, according to AeroVironment statements.
Scientific Instruments and Subsurface Radar Capabilities
Each of the three autonomous helicopters will carry specialized scientific equipment designed to examine both the Martian atmosphere and subsurface structures. According to AeroVironment, every aircraft will host a ground-penetrating radar developed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to map subsurface ice at a fine spatial resolution.
Additional instruments aboard the helicopters will collect data regarding the Martian atmosphere, dust particle transport, and other environmental processes. Will Pomerantz, head of space ventures at AeroVironment, noted in the company’s announcement that the rotorcraft can quickly cover distance and access locations unreachable by ground, allowing scientists to direct the radar toward precise water ice locations.
The SkyFall Maneuver and Launch Timeline
The mission introduces a new entry, descent, and landing technique known as the SkyFall maneuver. Public statements from the firm indicate that this method deploys the trio of rotorcraft straight from the main spacecraft into Mars’ atmosphere, where they break away, ready themselves, lower down, and land via onboard propulsion. By eliminating the need for a single-use lander stage or a host rover, the approach reduces the technical and financial risk of reaching the surface.
NASA is currently targeting a November 2028 launch window for the mission. Following launch, the spacecraft will undertake a cruise to Mars, with arrival timing adjusted for local time, dust conditions, and power requirements, as reported by AeroVironment.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the SkyFall mission scheduled to launch?
NASA is targeting a November 2028 launch window for the SkyFall mission to Mars, according to AeroVironment.
What is the role of AeroVironment in the SkyFall project?
AeroVironment leads the design and production of rotor systems, airframes, structures, avionics integration, and science payload accommodations through its MacCready Works team.
How does the SkyFall maneuver work?
During this operation, the three robotic aircraft drop straight from the transit vehicle into the Martian sky, subsequently detaching, activating, descending, and touching down independently without relying on a conventional lander or carrying rover.
What scientific instruments will the helicopters carry?
Each aircraft will carry a ground-penetrating radar designed to map subsurface ice, alongside instruments to collect data on the Martian atmosphere and dust transport.
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