MAGGIE: NASA plans massive solar electric plane for Mars mission

The concept has been proposed by US-based aerospace company Coflow Jet, LLC.

Aircraft would fly at 1,000 meters altitude

MAGGIE's mission involves a comprehensive exploration strategy, aiming to unravel mysteries related to Martian geophysics, atmospheric chemistry, and the planet's potential for supporting past or present life. The data collected will be instrumental in advancing our knowledge of Mars and expanding the possibilities for future exploration and research.

MAGGIE would be developed in such a way that it could travel 179 kilometers at 1,000 meters altitude on a fully charged battery in 7.6 Martian days (sol). 

MAGGIE's entire range is estimated to be an impressive 16,048 kilometers during a Martian year.

MAGGIE would perform at least three extensive atmospheric and geophysical studies during its mission, according to current preliminary plans. 

The data and observations collected by the aircraft would significantly contribute to our understanding of various Martian phenomena. 

Among the set science goals, NASA aims to study the origin and timing of the Martian core dynamo, investigate the source of methane signals in Gale Crater, and map subsurface water ice in the mid-latitudes.

“The conceptual MAGGIE system study indicates that the concept appears to be feasible, but need to be further investigated, designed, and verified under Martian atmospheric conditions in Phase I,” noted NASA. 

MAGGIE would use VTOL technology

What’s more, this airborne mission would leverage the rapidly evolving vertical take-off/landing (VTOL) technology. VTOL refers to an aircraft's ability to ascend into the air and descend back to the ground vertically without the need for a runway. 

NASA highlights that the successful demonstration of this aircraft technology on Mars could serve as a pioneering step, paving the way for similar aerial missions on other planets within our solar system.

Beyond its Martian mission, MAGGIE's technology could also enhance VTOL aircraft capabilities on Earth. 

Among the other key details shared by NASA, this Martian aircraft is expected to have a cruise Mach number of 0.25 and a cruise lift coefficient (CL) of 3.5 — roughly ten times greater than ordinary subsonic aircraft. 

​​Furthermore, the unique CoFlow Jet (CFJ) technology would allow the aircraft to soar through the low-density atmosphere of the Red Planet. 

NASA's introduction of the MAGGIE mission is a bold step forward in the quest to unlock the mysteries of Mars, promising a new advanced era in planetary exploration.

Under its NIAC selection of 2024, NASA also provided a glimpse of other short-listed innovative technology, such as a sample return mission from the hostile world, Venus.