AeroVironment Unveils ‘Skyfall’—Next-Gen Mars Helicopter to Scout Landing Zones for Future Human Missions

In supporting human exploration of Mars, AeroVironment has introduced a new aerial concept called Skyfall, designed in partnership with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). This innovative system could reshape how we explore and prepare for landing on the Red Planet.

Rather than sticking to traditional methods of surface scouting, Skyfall envisions six autonomous helicopters launched together, each with the ability to fly independently across the Martian landscape. Their main task? To scan and study potential landing zones using high-resolution cameras and radar systems that can even peek beneath the surface of the soil—hunting for signs of water, ice, and other vital resources needed for human survival.

What makes Skyfall truly stand out is its namesake maneuver—the “Skyfall Maneuver.” Unlike previous systems that relied on complex, heavy landing platforms, these new helicopters would detach mid-air from their entry capsule during descent and fly themselves down to the Martian surface. It's a smart way to cut costs and avoid engineering headaches, while giving the drones immediate mobility upon arrival.

This isn’t AeroVironment’s first Mars mission. The company worked closely with JPL on the now-famous Ingenuity helicopter, the first aircraft to perform powered flight on another planet. Ingenuity, which completed an impressive 72 flights at Jezero Crater, was originally only supposed to fly five times—but it far exceeded expectations and became a symbol of engineering excellence.

Skyfall, however, is a next-generation leap beyond Ingenuity. While Ingenuity was a single scout proving the basics of flight in Mars’ thin atmosphere, Skyfall multiplies the capability by six—bringing more range, more data, and more scientific potential. It’s a system built not just to experiment, but to actively support upcoming human missions.

“Skyfall offers a revolutionary new approach to Mars exploration that is faster and more affordable than anything that’s come before it,” said William Pomerantz, AeroVironment’s Head of Space Ventures. He noted that the use of multiple rotorcraft working in tandem can deliver more insights and dramatically increase pre-mission safety for astronauts.

The design leverages AeroVironment’s expertise in lightweight aerospace structures, perfect for the Martian atmosphere, while JPL is expected to supply proven avionics and flight software refined through the Ingenuity program. Together, this blend of commercial innovation and government experience sets the stage for a possible launch as soon as 2028.

According to Trace Stevenson, President of Autonomous Systems at AV, Skyfall isn’t just about future astronauts. “It will provide detailed, actionable data that benefits planetary science too—especially in the search for signs that life once existed on Mars.”

Unlike the old Mars helicopter, which was primarily a tech demo, Skyfall is purpose-built for human exploration. It’s about coverage, coordination, and communication. With six smart flyers instead of one, the system can map more terrain, deliver richer scientific data, and act as the eyes of future astronauts long before they set foot on the surface.

Backed by AeroVironment’s broader AV_Space portfolio, which also includes systems for ISR, space communications, and satellite operations, Skyfall marks a serious step forward in preparing Mars for its first human guests. If everything stays on track, the next giant leap for mankind may start with the whir of six little helicopters exploring the Red Planet in formation.