Mars Science Helicopter
Introduction
The Mars Helicopter Technology Demonstration (MHTD), also known as Ingenuity, is intended to establish that an Unoccupied Aircraft System (UAS) can fly in the Martian environment, enabling exploration and mission architectures that were previously impossible. Beyond the MHTD, the New Frontiers-class Dragonfly octocopter is poised to launch in 2026 and land on the surface of Titan in 2034. Controlled, aerial-flight vehicles equipped with capable scientific payloads can revolutionize our understanding of planetary bodies with atmospheres, providing wide-ranging access to locations not reachable by conventional surface assets. End-of-flight positions enable direct access to science targets of interest within the landing-site workspace. In addition to science imaging, identifying and selecting future landing sites is accomplished via reconnaissance performed in flight.
This whitepaper describes two conceptual vehicle designs, including possible tradeoffs within those designs, which would enable a wide array of innovative science investigations. Both vehicles navigate via visible imaging (a standard component similar to the camera on MHTD) and are generically referred to as Mars Science Helicopter (MSH). The overarching objective is to identify compelling scientific investigations that are uniquely enabled by rotorcraft capabilities and to understand the resulting key drivers of rotorcraft design. We describe the scientific benefits offered by solar-powered, low-altitude (<5 km), direct-communication-to-orbit aerial vehicles. For the smaller vehicle designs, we consider architectures that include an accompanying surface rover or lander. In addition to describing vehicle capabilities, flight characteristics, and the breadth of enabled science for the two helicopter designs, we also introduce three mission concepts that showcase investigations made possible by MSH. We conclude with recommendations concerning the future of rotorcraft exploration at Mars.
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