Long Endurance Mars Exploration Flying Vehicle (LEMFEV)
The LEMFEV project aims to develop a concept for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed specifically for Mars exploration. Launched in March 2022 and supported by the Russian Science Foundation, the project was inspired by the successful flight of NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter in April 2021. The project's website: https://www.lemfev.com/
Project's current state:
we are teaching the autopilot on a small
scaled 3D printed flying model
we are teaching the autopilot on a small
scaled 3D printed flying model
- The UAV will be housed in an axis‑symmetric, ballistic descent module.
- A four‑stage injection programme will put the spacecraft onto the trajectory to Mars.
- After separation from the orbital module, the vehicle will embark on an 8.5‑month journey to the Red Planet.
- A four‑stage injection programme will put the spacecraft onto the trajectory to Mars.
- After separation from the orbital module, the vehicle will embark on an 8.5‑month journey to the Red Planet.
Delivery to Mars:
Key aspects of the project
The vehicle will help expand geographical and temporal coverage of measurements in the planetary boundary layer and gather data on its vertical structure.
- The UAV can perform observation modes that are inaccessible to rovers, landers, and orbiters.
Potential research targets include:
- Martian canyons and craters;
- The planetary boundary layer (to study atmospheric parameters at different altitudes);
- Geological formations and surface features.
Potential research targets include:
- Martian canyons and craters;
- The planetary boundary layer (to study atmospheric parameters at different altitudes);
- Geological formations and surface features.
Scientific mission:
The LEMFEV concept addresses critical gaps in Mars exploration: it complements existing tools (rovers, orbiters) by enabling direct, repeatable, and flexible atmospheric and surface observations at scales and locations previously inaccessible.
- Single‑flight missions: in‑flight measurements and data transmission.
- Multiple‑flight missions: repeated sorties to cover larger areas and gather time‑series data.
- Multiple‑flight missions: repeated sorties to cover larger areas and gather time‑series data.
Mission scenarios:
- Wind tunnel experiments with liquid crystals to visualise airflow patterns.
- Stratospheric balloon test (planned for late 2024): the flying model will be raised to ~32 km altitude to simulate Martian atmospheric conditions.
- Stratospheric balloon test (planned for late 2024): the flying model will be raised to ~32 km altitude to simulate Martian atmospheric conditions.
Testing and validation:
- cameras (for different wavelength ranges, 1.5 kg);
- meteorological sensors (0.5 kg) — to track wind, temperature, humidity;
- LIDAR (0.5 kg);
- radiometer (0.5 kg);
- ground‑penetrating radar (1 kg);
- infrared (IR) spectrometer (1.5 kg).
- meteorological sensors (0.5 kg) — to track wind, temperature, humidity;
- LIDAR (0.5 kg);
- radiometer (0.5 kg);
- ground‑penetrating radar (1 kg);
- infrared (IR) spectrometer (1.5 kg).
Instrumentation (example payload, total mass: 5.5 kg):
The LEMFEV will operate at relatively low Reynolds numbers, which increases friction drag and may cause laminar bubbles.
The team optimises the airfoil section for each aircraft version to improve aerodynamic performance.
Liquid crystals will be used in wind tunnel tests to study the boundary layer, detect the laminar‑turbulent transition, and analyse flow separation.
The team optimises the airfoil section for each aircraft version to improve aerodynamic performance.
Liquid crystals will be used in wind tunnel tests to study the boundary layer, detect the laminar‑turbulent transition, and analyse flow separation.
Aerodynamic optimisation:
- Low atmospheric density (about 1 % of Earth’s) requires high wing loading and efficient aerodynamics.
- Low speed of sound affects flight dynamics and control.
- Extreme temperatures and dust storms demand robust materials and protective systems.
- Electrical phenomena in the Martian atmosphere must be accounted for in electronics design.
- Terrain complexity rules out conventional take‑off and landing — the design must include alternative solutions.
- Low speed of sound affects flight dynamics and control.
- Extreme temperatures and dust storms demand robust materials and protective systems.
- Electrical phenomena in the Martian atmosphere must be accounted for in electronics design.
- Terrain complexity rules out conventional take‑off and landing — the design must include alternative solutions.
Design challenges and solutions:
