For decades, POT and its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California have been based on some of the driest and most rugged places on Earth to simulate the extreme environments in Mars. California’s Mojave Desert, including Death Valley National Park, has long served as a testing ground, from the Viking lander in the 1970s until NASA aircraft landing tests Perseverance rover.
Helicopters, like helicopters and drones, have become increasingly important since the success of the NASA project. Ingenuity Mars Helicopterwhat did 72 pioneer flights on the Red Planet before completing its mission in 2024. Crafts like Ingenuity can be useful for exploring hard-to-reach areas, including areas on another planet.
What is it?
The most recent test campaign, captured in our Image of the Day, focused on software called Extended robust air rangedesigned to help future Mars helicopters navigate somewhat monotonous terrain, which was the challenge that caused Ingenuity problems during its final flights. Engineers experimented with camera filters, landing algorithms and real-time navigation over two key locations: the sand dunes of Mesquite Flats and Mars Hill, a rocky Death Valley site that NASA has used for Mars research for more than 50 years.
Where is?
This image was taken in Death Valley National Park in southeastern California.
Why is it amazing?
POT imagine drones that can map landing zones, locate resources or guide astronauts through dangerous terrain. The software tested in this recent series of experiments could allow future explorers to rely on robotic partners that think and navigate independently.
Given the variation in the Martian terrain, which features dunes, rock fields, craters and volcanic slopes, having improved helicopter technology like drones can allow scientists to safely explore terrain that Ingenuity had difficulty accessing, revealing more about the Red Planet.
Do you want to learn more?
You can learn more about drones and Exploration of Mars.
