Can an aircraft capable of flying on Earth fly on Mars?

The prospect of attempting flight on Mars calls to mind Capt. James McConnell's account of jet air-to-air combat over Korea in the Korean War. read more

No. While Mars gravity is 0.38 G compared to Earth making it “easier” to fly, the atmosphere is a paltry 1% of what we have with only trace amounts of oxygen in it. read more

Aircraft may provide in situ measurements of the atmosphere of Mars, as well as additional observations over extended areas. A long-term goal is to develop piloted Mars aircraft. Compared to Earth, the air is thinner at the surface (with pressure less than 1% of Earth's at sea level) but the gravity is lower (less than 40%). read more

NASA wants to prove it can sustainably fly an aircraft at low altitude in Mars' thin atmosphere -- which eventually could let scientists check out the Red Planet in new ways. NASA wants to prove it can sustainably fly an aircraft at low altitude in Mars' thin atmosphere -- which eventually could let scientists check out the Red Planet in new ways. read more