The Next Mars Mission Is Going To Include a Space Helicopter

That is not a typo. NASA has been hard at work developing the technology for the next mission to Mars. Part of that are the modules that will be part of the rover. An autonomous helicopter would be able to take pictures never seen before, and reach areas that the rover on the ground, would take far longer to reach, and might not even be accessible.

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01
The Drone Itself

via NASA successfully tested a Martian helicopter in a carbon dioxide chamber | FreeNews

The drone will not carry any scientific instruments, due to its experimental nature. There has been no aircraft ever on another planet, so this will be a first in and of itself. If the test itself is a success, then future missions could also very well add a helicopter to add a aerial view of the planets we explore that were hitherto impossible. But it isn't just a glorified drone.
02
A Massive Effort

via Autonomous helicopter joins its rover buddy for Mars 2020 mission | Digital Trends

The next Mars mission has been no mere feat. 7 years went into the development of the technology and tools, including the helicopter, in order that the mission could be a success.
03
Practice Makes Perfect

via NASA Mars Helicopter Technology Demonstration | NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Designing an innovative helicopter isn't necessarily an incredible innovation. But designing a helicopter that can fly in Mar's exceptionally thin atmosphere, that is a massive task. The mission itself is considered high risk, simply because they have no idea how the technology they developed will perform outside of the lab, and especially when it reaches Mars.
04
One Small Step For Man One Tiny Drone On Mars

via NASA Mars Helicopter Technology Demonstration | NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

The drone
05
Interstellar Paparazzi

via NASA Mars Helicopter Technology Demonstration | NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

The drone will do flybys of the Mars landscape, taking pictures from overhead, while the rover takes samples from the Martian soil and rocks.
06
Beam My Selfies Up Scotty

via NASA Mars Helicopter Technology Demonstration | NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

It will then return to sender, transferring the video and pictures it took to the rover, so they can be beamed back to NASA. But like mentioned previously, the helicopter will not be performing any more advanced scientific experiments until the proof of concept has been confirmed to work.