NASA has successfully tested a lightweight, flexible radar antenna for the SkyFall Mars helicopters, a key step toward a 2028 mission to map subsurface ice on Mars using three autonomous aircraft. The Vivaldi antenna, designed to fold during landings, survived 200 simulated Martian landings and extreme temperature shifts, according to tests at JPL.
The SkyFall mission, scheduled to launch in 2028 aboard NASA’s Space Reactor-1 spacecraft, aims to revolutionize Mars exploration by deploying three autonomous helicopters equipped with ground-penetrating radar. These aircraft will search for shallow subsurface ice—critical for future human missions—by flying low enough to detect ice layers just beneath the surface. The radar system’s antenna, a modified Vivaldi design, is central to this effort, as it must endure the harsh Martian environment while remaining compact enough to fit within the helicopters’ limited ground clearance.
A Flexible Antenna for Extreme Conditions
The Vivaldi antenna, named for its curved, flat design, was specifically engineered to address the unique challenges of Mars landings. Unlike traditional rigid antennas, this version is made from metallized fabric sheathed in polyester and Vectran, a material used in Mars rover airbags. This flexibility allows the antenna to bend during landings, avoiding damage from rocks or uneven terrain, and then snap back into its original shape for data collection. Although we managed to shrink the antenna quite a bit, it is about 1½ times longer than the helicopter’s legs,
said Christine Gebara, SkyFall ground-penetrating radar mechanical lead at JPL. That means during landing, the Vivaldi has to bend out of the way—and if it lands on a rock, it bends even further.
Testing at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory subjected the antenna to simulated Martian conditions, including temperature swings of up to 170°F (94°C) and repeated flexing to mimic dozens of landings. The device survived 200 simulated landings, twice the number required for a successful mission, without losing signal integrity. The only way to detect shallow subsurface ice remotely is to fly close to the ground,
explained Adrian Tang, SkyFall’s ground-penetrating radar lead instrument scientist. By flying low and slow, a SkyFall helicopter could capture radar images that resolve the fine layering where dry soil gives way to ice.
Mission Design and Launch Timeline
The SkyFall mission represents a significant departure from previous Mars exploration strategies. Unlike NASA’s first autonomous Mars helicopter Ingenuity, which needed to use the Perseverance rover as a relay station, the SkyFall helicopters can independently transmit information to spacecraft orbiting Mars. The three aircraft—comprising one larger and two smaller units—will carry instruments to map subsurface ice, monitor temperatures, and analyze surface composition. Each helicopter will operate independently, reducing reliance on a central rover or lander.
Launch is planned for late 2028 aboard the Space Reactor-1 Freedom spacecraft, which will use a fission reactor for nuclear electric propulsion. The mission’s journey to Mars will take approximately two years, with the spacecraft making its first flyby in 2029 and landing on the Red Planet by 2030. This timeline allows for extensive testing of the spacecraft’s systems before the helicopters begin their ice-mapping operations. The team is now building an engineering model for vibration testing and tests in a simulated Martian environment, including at the Mars Yard,
the team said.
Why This Matters for Future Mars Exploration
The success of the SkyFall mission could fundamentally change how scientists approach Mars exploration. By focusing on shallow ice deposits—accessible for resource extraction—these helicopters could identify potential landing sites for future human missions. Future crews need precisely this accessible ice, which can be used to produce water, oxygen, and fuel for the journey home,
said Tang. The ability to map subsurface ice in high resolution could also inform broader scientific studies of Mars’ geology and climate history.
The mission’s reliance on flexible, lightweight technology also sets a precedent for future interplanetary missions. By miniaturizing the radar system while maintaining sensitivity, NASA has demonstrated a viable approach for exploring other celestial bodies with similar environmental constraints. As the SkyFall team prepares for the next phase of testing, the focus remains on ensuring the helicopters can endure the rigors of multiple flights across Mars’ challenging terrain.
What Comes Next for SkyFall
With the antenna’s testing phase complete, the SkyFall team is now building an engineering model for further validation. This includes vibration testing and simulations of Martian conditions, such as in a simulated Martian environment, including at the Mars Yard and extreme temperature fluctuations. The next major milestone will be the spacecraft’s 2029 flyby, which will provide critical data on the mission’s trajectory and systems. If all tests succeed, the SkyFall helicopters will begin their ice-mapping operations in 2030, marking a new era in Mars exploration.
For now, the focus remains on the antenna’s performance and the broader implications of its design. As NASA continues to refine the technology, the SkyFall mission stands as a testament to the agency’s commitment to innovation in planetary science. With the 2028 launch date approaching, the world watches to see if this daring vision of autonomous Martian explorers will take flight.
