NASA plans to launch a new spacecraft to transport three robotic helicopters to Mars, at an initial estimated cost of $2.1 billion until 2029, taking advantage of the successful “Ingenuity” helicopter experience in exploring the Red Planet.
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NASA is planning a new "SkyFall" program to transport helicopters to Mars, building on the success of the previous "Ingenuity" helicopter, which carried out 72 flights between 2021 and 2024.
A NASA official said: “Preliminary estimates indicate that the cost is about $2.1 billion, and the agency will continue to review this number during the procurement procedures. These funds are scheduled to be spent during the period extending from this year until 2029.”
It is noteworthy that NASA Director Jared Isaacman announced last March that this spacecraft aims to transport three automated helicopters to the Red Planet to explore it. These aircraft will be based on the experience of the "Ingenuity" helicopter, which NASA previously used to explore Mars. The agency has not yet determined the cost of the new "SkyFall" program.
It should be noted that NASA used the "Ingenuity" helicopter to explore Mars between 2021 and 2024. The helicopter, accompanied by the Perseverance rover, arrived on the surface of the red planet in February 2021, and carried out 72 flights.
NASA indicated that the cost of manufacturing the helicopter, which weighed about 1.8 kilograms, amounted to $80 million. They have been used to explore areas difficult for rovers to reach, create 3D maps of the Martian surface, and carry out other scientific missions. In January 2024, NASA stopped operating the helicopter after it was damaged, confirming that it exceeded all expectations set for it.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Spending $2.1 billion on the new program through 2029
Likely · Within months
NASA review of initial cost of $2.1 billion
Very likely · Within months
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