Tiny drones could soon be swarming Mars, NASA says

Science Recorder ^ | January 25, 2015 | Delila James

[BenLurkin]

One of the main challenges NASA engineers face is the very low density of the Martian atmosphere. To be able to lift off in such a thin atmosphere, the blades of the Mars Helicopter have to spin much faster than here on Earth, a report by Discovery News explains. Even operating only a few minutes a day, NASA says the solar-powered helicopter could enormously accelerate the pace of scientific discovery on the planet.

Some envision swarms of these inexpensively built, automated drones zipping daily over the Martian landscape, collecting geological and atmospheric data over a large area. Given the fast rate at which swarm robotics and artificial intelligence are developing, such flying machines could be a reality in about ten years, some say.

[JimRed]

Or be larger in blade area.

Which could be a similar power drain, moving the larger blade surfaces? Six of one, half dozen of the other.

[xp38]

Look sir! Drones!

[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

It’s a much better idea to use balloons with small solar powered fans to direct their general motion. Things would be much slower because of the thin atmosphere, but they would still cover vastly more distance than a ground rover.

http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/technology/balloons/