NASA reveals solar-powered aircraft model on Mars

The MAGGIE aircraft can fly 179 km at an altitude of 1,000 m, helping to study the atmosphere and geophysics on Mars.

Simulation of the MAGGIE Mars rover. Photo: Ge-Cheng Zha — Simulation of the MAGGIE Mars rover. Photo: *Ge-Cheng Zha*

Following the success of the Ingenuity helicopter on Mars, experts are aiming for a more groundbreaking design with a fixed-wing solar-powered aircraft concept, Interesting Engineering reported on January 5. The aircraft, named the Mars Intelligent Ground and Air Explorer (MAGGIE), was announced under NASA's Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program.

This is a compact, high-performance fixed-wing aircraft that uses solar energy to fly in the Martian atmosphere. This aircraft is capable of making planet-wide atmospheric measurements, opening a new era of space technology. The aircraft concept was proposed by the American aerospace company Coflow Jet. The unique CoFlow Jet (CFJ) technology will allow the aircraft to move in the red planet's thin atmosphere.

MAGGIE is expected to fly 179 km at an altitude of 1,000 m on a fully charged battery in 7.6 Martian days. The aircraft's range is estimated at up to 16,048 km in one Martian year. According to preliminary plans, the aircraft will conduct at least three extensive atmospheric and geophysical studies during its mission. The data collected will help improve knowledge of Mars, increasing the ability to explore and research in the future.

MAGGIE’s mission includes a broad exploration strategy to unravel the mysteries of Mars’ geophysics, atmospheric chemistry, and its past and present life-supporting potential. NASA also wants to study the origin and timing of Mars’ magnetic core, investigate the source of methane signals in Gale Crater, and map subsurface water ice at mid-latitudes.

MAGGIE will advance rapidly developing vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) technology. VTOL allows aircraft to take off and land vertically without the need for a runway. NASA says a successful demonstration of the technology on Mars could pave the way for similar missions on other planets in the solar system. MAGGIE’s technology could also help improve VTOL aircraft on Earth.

Thu Thao (According to Interesting Engineering )

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