NASA Heads to Death Valley to Test New Mars Drone Tech

NASA heads to Death Valley to test new Mars drone tech

After reaching Mars with the Perseverance rover in early 2021, NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter proved a huge success as it exceeded expectations with an astonishing 72 flights across the Martian surface. But three years after entering the history books by becoming the first aircraft to achieve powered, controlled flight on another planet, Ingenuity sustained damage to […]

Nasa's robo dog tackles Earth's harsh terrains to prep for Moon and Mars missions

Scientists are testing advanced drones and robot dogs in some of Earth's toughest deserts to prepare for autonomous exploration of Mars. Nasa's projects in Death Valley and beyond are shaping the future of Moon and Red Planet missions.

NASA's Cutting-Edge Drones Could Soon Be Exploring Mars as Tests Unfold in Death Valley

NASA is continually developing next-generation technologies to explore Mars, and a recent study conducted in Death Valley sheds light on how these innovations are tested on Earth. A team from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) took drones to California’s desert regions to refine navigation software that could eventually assist in Martian exploration. The insights gained from these tests are crucial for future missions, ensuring NASA’s roboti…

NASA desert drone trials refine navigation software for future Mars explorers

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Dec 03, 2025 To prepare new autonomous systems for Mars, NASA teams have been testing drones, a legged robot, and a winged flyer concept in harsh desert environments in California, New Mexico, and Virginia. The work is part of 25 Mars Exploration Program technology projects funded this year to extend the reach and capability of future Red Planet missions. At Death Valley National Park and in the nearby