Overview

• The concept envisions six autonomous helicopters deploying mid-descent without a landing platform through a novel "Skyfall maneuver".
• The rotorcraft will operate independently to capture high-resolution imagery and subsurface radar data for mapping water ice and safe landing zones.
• AeroVironment has begun internal funding and collaboration with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory with formal NASA mission funding still pending.
• Engineers plan to integrate avionics, flight software, and modeling techniques from the Ingenuity helicopter into the new Skyfall design.
• The concept aims for a 2028 Mars launch to scout resources and terrain in preparation for future robotic and crewed exploration.