NASA is about to fly their tiny solar powered helicopter drone on Mars.
Here is a preview of that mission: NASA Previews First Flight of Mars Helicopter (Media Briefing)
The helicopter isn't supposed to provide scientific data. It is a technology demonstration to inform future science missions on Mars. The main goal is to achieve flight on another planet in an atmosphere that is 1% of Earth's density.
It is expected to launch its test campaign in early April 2021. The Perseverance rover is currently under way to drop the drone off at a previously selected launching and landing site.
Operational time | 1 to 5 flights within 30 sols |
---|---|
Flight time | Up to 90 seconds per flight |
Maximum range, flight | 50 m |
Maximum range, radio | 1,000 m |
Maximum planned altitude | 5 m |
Source: Ingenuity Helicopter: Wikipedia
YouTube channel Mediocre Coffee with a case study of how superior Starlink in it's current configuration already is for use in sparsely populated areas: Starlink vs. Telus: My Experience in Rural Alberta
SpaceX is launching 60 additional Satellites for their own Starlink Constellation.
The booster is a Block 5 on its 6th flight and will land on a drone ship.
The mission to low earth orbit will launch from SLC 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.
SpaceX will attempt to recover the fairings.
Cargo:
- Payload mass is approximately 15,6 tonnes
- 60 Starlink Satellites
Check your local time of launch at: www.timeanddate.com
Where to watch:
15 minutes before launch: SpaceX Livestream
NASASpaceflight: LIVE: SpaceX Launches 60 Starlink Satellites on Falcon 9
Background information about previous SpaceX launches: Wikipedia
Why SpaceX is Making Starlink - Real Engineering: Youtube
MikeOnSpace: OFFICIAL Starlink SPEED TEST results and SPACE LASERS - details on the Private Beta and Public Beta
Mark Handley: Using ground relays with Starlink
MikeOnSpace: Amazon KUIPER vs SpaceX STARLINK - Another heavyweight enters the race for Global Satellite Internet
Ben Sullins: Starlink Could Change EVERYTHING!
LTT: Gaming on STARLINK!!
Now You Know: We Test Elon’s $99 Mobile Internet | In Depth
Useful links to stay up to date on launches:
Spaceflightnow.com: Launch Schedule
Everyday Astronaut: Prelaunch Previews
Space News:
NASA Spaceflight nasaspacefight.com
TMRO: YouTube
Track Starlink satellites: https://satellitemap.space/
Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/Starlink