Mars Electric Reusable Flyer Testing

The Mars Electric Flyer Balloon Drop Experiment will drop a ~2kg glider from a helium balloon at approximately 100,000ft to validate natural aerodynamic stability and aero damping, aero performance in a relevant environment and performance of avionics, command and telemetry for follow-on powered hover testing. The aerodynamic and control data gathered from this balloon flight will provide key information needed for the final design of the Mars mission flight vehicle. Problem Statement Mars atmospheric flight vehicle technologies that will allow autonomous repeated flights with a rechargeable electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft. Technologies include: lightweight structures and propulsion, autonomous inner and outer loop flight control with no global positioning system, and advanced aerodynamic design for low-pressure, low-Reynolds number flight. High thrust / low weight vertical takeoff and landing aircraft that have the required aerodynamic design for the low pressure, low Reynolds number environment do not exist. Focused design and testing of airframes, control systems, propulsion systems in a relevant environment to meet the specific set of requirements is needed to realize the Mars flight mission.

The micro-glider technology enables the off-surface exploration of atmospheric destinations such as Mars, benefitting NASA's exploration programs. Future Customers NASA Science Mission Directorate and NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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