SMRTR Science & EngineeringJul 8, 2026Hacker News

NASA begins funding hardware for 'Skyfall' Mars helicopter mission

SMRTR summary

NASA's Skyfall mission to Mars is moving forward, with Firefly Aerospace awarded a $13 million contract to build the aeroshell that will protect the spacecraft during its descent through the Martian atmosphere. Launching in 2028, Skyfall will carry three helicopters that will be released mid-descent in a maneuver that allows them to immediately begin flying and mapping Mars for water ice to support future crewed missions.

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