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NASA’s SkyFall Mars helicopters will wear tiny capes
space.com Aug 7, 2026

NASA’s SkyFall Mars helicopters will wear tiny capes

Curated by · TechCapsules ·

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

NASA’s SkyFall mission will launch three 6‑inch rotorcraft to Mars, each fitted with a flexible Vivaldi antenna disguised as a cape. The antenna, made from polyester, Vectran, and fiberglass, will conduct ground‑penetrating radar up to 5 m below the surface, enabling detection of shallow ice layers. Miniaturized to 5 ounces, the antenna bends during landing and snaps back for flight, allowing repeated surveys. The data will inform future human missions about subsurface water resources and surface stability.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · By mapping near‑surface ice, SkyFall provides critical insights for astronauts’ habitat planning and resource extraction, directly supporting Mars exploration logistics.
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