Flight Dynamics of Mars Helicopter

Helicopters have the potential to transform Mars exploration
by providing a highly mobile platform for forward reconnaissance
as an aid for ground-based systems. Helicopter
flight on Mars is challenging due to the extremely thin atmosphere,
which is only partially offset by a reduction in gravity.
NASA is considering the possibility of sending a small helicopter
to the Martian surface as part of a future mission.
In this paper we focus on flight dynamics and controllability
issues for the proposed Mars Helicopter, in particular the
areas in which the dynamics departs from typical behavior
on Earth. We discuss insights gained from modeling and
simulation, as well as system identification performed with
a test vehicle in the relevant atmospheric condition, culminating
in the first demonstration of controlled helicopter flight
in Martian atmospheric conditions in May 2016.