NASA accelerates three SkyFall Mars helicopters for 2028 launch

NASA is developing three SkyFall helicopters to be delivered to Mars by the first fission-powered interplanetary spacecraft, SR-1 Freedom, in 2028. The craft are released at about 1,000 meters, designed to last six months, and carry five instruments including ground-penetrating radar for subsurface ice.

• SR-1 Freedom will launch with three SkyFall helicopters in 2028
• Helicopters are released at about 1,000 meters and land independently
• Each carries five instruments, including ground-penetrating radar for ice
• Flight traverses of 200–300 km are possible over a 6-month mission