China has developed a prototype miniature (small) helicopter for future Mars missions. This prototype can be used to survey (study) the land.

What is a prototype?

A prototype is the first example or model of a machine or technology. It forms the base of what newer versions will look or be like.

The prototype is similar in appearance to NASA’s robotic helicopter Ingenuity. China’s National Space Science Center said the helicopter could help in China’s future exploration on Mars.

Like Ingenuity, the Chinese prototype has two rotor blades, a sensor-and-camera base and four thin legs. But as per the photos, it doesn’t have a solar panel on top (which Ingenuity has).

Mars missions

China landed its first-ever Mars rover Zhurong in May this year. It became only the second country after the United States to do so. Moreover, China is also planning its first crewed mission to Mars in 2033.

Meanwhile, NASA had its first flight of the Ingenuity helicopter on Mars. It is humankind’s first successful deployment of a powered aircraft in a world other than Earth.

Ingenuity has made more than 10 outings since April. It has covered an overall distance of more than 2 km with flight time of about 20 minutes in all.

 

 

There are so many interesting and exciting things happening in the world today. To keep yourself updated do not miss out on reading Curious Times – a news website for children. We are also delighted to publish what children send to us in My Expressions. These could be art and creative projects, their thoughts in the form of drawings, paintings, photographs and write-ups. And also books, games or movie reviews. 

All the great content from the kids finds its way to our Newspaper Curious Times Weekly and The Curious Magazine. You can also reach out to us on WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook. Youtube, Twitter, Linked In, Or write to us at hello@curioustimes.in.

  0  (Please login to give a Curious Clap to your friend.)

To post your comment Login/Signup