NASA researchers test new blade profile for Martian helicopters

Researchers at NASA’s Ames Research Center, in collaboration with Imperial College London and Nagoya University, are testing a new aerodynamic blade profile named roamx-0201 designed for Mars. Using wind tunnel tests and advanced simulations, the team aims to significantly increase the flight range of future Martian aerial vehicles.

While NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter achieved a flight distance of approximately 0.7 kilometers, the new roamx-0201 design could potentially extend uninterrupted flight range to 18.7 kilometers. This design features a thinner, asymmetrical shape optimized for the thin Martian atmosphere, providing better stability and performance during risky flight conditions.

The development builds upon the legacy of the Ingenuity mission and supports the upcoming SkyFall mission, which is planned for a 2028 launch and intends to deploy three helicopters for Martian exploration.