January 23, 2024
2 mins read

NASA proposes solar-powered plane to explore Mars

The aircraft will be able to overcome the low density of the Martian atmosphere with a magnitude higher than conventional subsonic aircraft…reports Asian Lite News

US space agency NASA has proposed to develop a new mobility Mars exploration platform that will use solar energy to explore the Red Planet.

The Mars Aerial and Ground Intelligent Explorer (MAGGIE) is a compact fixed wing aircraft with ultra-high productivity efficiency powered by solar energy to fly in the Martian atmosphere.

It will have vertical take-off/landing (VTOL) capability, enabled by advanced deflected slipstream technology with CoFlow Jet (CFJ).

“MAGGIE would be able to perform the first global-scale atmospheric mission at Mars and revolutionise our capability of exploring almost the entirety of the Martian surface. It is the first concept to enable ongoing exploration of this region of Mars and would provide a substantial leap in capability for NASA’s exploration of the Red Planet,” the agency said in a statement.

The attractiveness of airborne missions on Mars has been amply demonstrated by the Ingenuity helicopter, which landed on the Red Planet in February 2021 attached to the belly of NASA’s Mars Perseverance rover.

Originally tasked with only five test flights to prove its “pioneering” technology, Ingenuity helicopter exceeded all expectations with 72nd flights on the Red Planet.

“MAGGIE would be similarly engaging to the public, both in its audacity, and in the variety of environments it could explore, study, and image. The technology would also enhance VTOL aircraft technology on Earth and other planets,” NASA said.

The aircraft will be able to overcome the low density of the Martian atmosphere with a magnitude higher than conventional subsonic aircraft.

The range of MAGGIE for a fully charged battery per 7.6 sol is 179 km at altitude of 1,000 m. The total range of MAGGIE per Martian year is 16,048 km.

The representative mission for MAGGIE presented would conduct three atmospheric and geophysical investigations.

These include a study of the origin and timing of the Martian core dynamo from the weak magnetic fields found in the large impact basins, a regional investigation of the source of methane signals detected by the Tunable Laser Spectrometer on the Mars Science Laboratory in Gale crater, and mapping of subsurface water ice at high resolution in the mid-latitudes where it has been observed from orbit.

The conceptual MAGGIE system study indicates that the concept appears to be feasible, but needs to be further investigated, designed, and verified under Martian atmospheric conditions in Phase I, NASA said.

ALSO READ-NASA Delays Crewed Flight to 2025

Previous Story

Dorniers to fly using ATF-biofuel mix during R-Day flypast

Next Story

X fixes bug that labelled legit posts as ‘sensitive media’

Latest from -Top News

Uyghurs Face ‘More Repression, No Relief’

CFU stressed that, instead of addressing the UN’s recommendations, Beijing has escalated its repression…reports Asian Lite News On August 31, 2025, Campaign for Uyghurs (CFU) marked the third anniversary of the United

Afghan Quake Toll Hits 1,457

More than 6,700 homes have been destroyed due to earthquake as international aid agencies struggle to reach people in remote areas…reports Asian Lite News The death toll from the powerful earthquake that

Xi, Putin, Kim conspiring against US, says Trump

Trump accused Xi of “conspiring against” America after hosting Putin and Kim at Beijing’s largest military parade….reports Asian Lite News US President Donald Trump unleashed a sharp rebuke at Chinese President Xi

India, UAE chase $100b trade dream

India and the UAE reaffirmed their CEPA partnership, setting a $100 billion non-oil trade target by 2030, with strong focus on energy, food, healthcare, and technology….reports Asian Lite News India and the
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Jaishankar, UN DSG discuss G20, climate

Amina J Mohammed arrived in India on a three-day visit

Channi regrets PM’s security breach during virtual meeting on Covid

Channi expressed regret while participating in a virtual meeting chaired