Space-Copter

What seems the realm of science fiction is about to become science reality

As a budding aerospace engineer, it’s hard to get past the cool factor of helicopters (for Earth based aerospace). I was always impressed by the grace that a helicopter drifted through the air, and thought it seemed even more magical than the giant bulky tubes which which whizz miraculously through the air – airplanes.

How could helicopters get any better, they ask. How about space helicopters? The cool factor of helicopters, multiplied with the awesomeness of space, makes for a pretty surreal and science-fiction-esque project. The project is coming to life in 2020 when NASA sends a helicopter over our neighbouring Red Planet, Mars. Outpacing the famous Curiosity Rover, who’s top speed is a tedious 0.14km/h, the helicopter, or remotely controlled UAV, will be hovering over the dangerous terrain and speeding up out exploration of the planet. “The idea of a helicopter flying the skies of another planet is thrilling,” said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine