Testing Drones for Mars in the Mojave Desert
In a groundbreaking initiative, researchers from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) have successfully tested advanced navigation software for drones designed to operate on Mars. This significant development took place in September 2025 during a flight at the Dumont Dunes in the Mojave Desert, where the team monitored a research drone as part of a larger campaign aimed at enhancing the capabilities of future rotorcraft on the Red Planet. This project is one of 25 funded by NASA’s Mars Exploration Program in the past year, reflecting the agency’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration technology.
The focus of this research is to create autonomous robotic systems that can navigate the Martian landscape independently, which could revolutionize how we explore Mars. The new navigation software is designed to allow drones and other robotic scouts to traverse challenging terrains, making them invaluable for both scientific exploration and potential human missions. For instance, the development of slope-scaling robotic scouts and long-distance gliders could enable these machines to cover more ground and gather critical data without direct human intervention. Such advancements not only promise to enhance our understanding of Mars but also pave the way for future astronauts to conduct their work more efficiently, as these robots can assist in various tasks, from conducting experiments to scouting for suitable landing sites.
As NASA continues to invest in innovative technologies, the implications of these advancements are profound. The ability for robots to autonomously explore Mars opens up new possibilities for scientific discovery and the potential for human colonization. With each successful test, researchers are one step closer to realizing a future where both robots and astronauts can work in tandem to uncover the mysteries of our neighboring planet. For those interested in the technical details of the drone flight software test and its implications for Mars exploration, further information is available through NASA’s official channels.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClTkvEPRPTE
NASA/JPL-Caltech
Researchers from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory monitor a research drone in this September 2025 photo. This flight occurred in Dumont Dunes, an area of the Mojave Desert, as part of a larger test campaign to develop navigation software that would guide future rotorcraft on Mars. The work was among 25 projects funded by
NASA’s Mars Exploration Program
this past year to push the limits of future technologies.
Whether it’s new navigation software, slope-scaling robotic scouts, or long-distance gliders, the technology being developed by the Mars Exploration Program envisions a future where robots can explore all on their own — or even help astronauts do their work.
Read more about the drone flight software test.
Text credit: NASA/Andrew Good
Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
