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NASA Tests Drones in Desert to Enhance Mars Navigation

12/17/2025

Summary

Story summary

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) conducts drone flight tests in California's Death Valley and the Mojave Desert to improve navigation software for future Mars rotorcraft.
The tests evaluate the Extended Robust Aerial Autonomy system and address navigation challenges faced by the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter on featureless terrain.
Researchers monitor performance in extreme conditions and collect data on camera filters and landing algorithms to inform autonomous aerial scouts for Mars.

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Story summary

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) conducts drone flight tests in California's Death Valley and the Mojave Desert to improve navigation software for future Mars rotorcraft.
The tests evaluate the Extended Robust Aerial Autonomy system and address navigation challenges faced by the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter on featureless terrain.
Researchers monitor performance in extreme conditions and collect data on camera filters and landing algorithms to inform autonomous aerial scouts for Mars.