Engineers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California have tested next-generation Mars helicopter rotor blades, finding they can potentially surpass the sound barrier without breaking apart. The tests took place in the 25-Foot Space Simulator at JPL in November 2025, according to NASA.
During the test, a three-bladed rotor was positioned horizontally and paired with a vertically aligned two-bladed rotor to simulate a "headwind," enabling the rotor tips to exceed Mach 1. Data collected indicates these rotor blades could operate at supersonic speeds, potentially enhancing the capabilities of future Mars aircraft.
The test campaign was funded by NASA's Mars Exploration Program, managed by JPL for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. This work supports efforts to maximize the performance of aircraft flying on Mars.