NASA attaches autonomous mini helicopter to Mars 2020 rover mission

The Mars 2020 rover will carry a mini helicopter to Mars, protected by a cover during landing. Once a suitable area is found, the helicopter will be deployed to conduct test flights. It features a mini camera for capturing images of the Martian surface. The helicopter is small, weighing under four pounds, with rotor blades that spin at 2,400 RPM, allowing it to fly up to 15 feet high. It includes a solar array to recharge its batteries, which power the blades and keep it warm at night.

What protects the mini helicopter during the Mars 2020 rover's landing?

• A metal cage

• A cover

• A heat shield

• A parachute

What is the purpose of the mini camera on the helicopter?

• To record the rover's landing

• To capture photos of the Martian surface

• To monitor the helicopter's flight

• To take selfies of the rover

How much does the main body of the Mars helicopter weigh?

• Under four pounds

• Ten pounds

• Six pounds

• Over eight pounds

How long are the rotor blades of the Mars helicopter?

• Three feet

• Two feet

• Five feet

• Four feet

What is the function of the solar array on the Mars helicopter?

• To power the camera

• To recharge its batteries

• To control the rotor blades

• To communicate with Earth