NASA’s Three Helicopters Head To Mars

AeroVironment (AVAV) won a $464.8M U.S. Army contract for its LOCUST® X3 laser weapon systems under the Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program. The contract marks the first production deal for directed energy systems in U.S. history, with AV delivering dozens of systems over several years. The LOCUST X3 is a 30-kilowatt platform-agnostic system, and the contract includes options for integration with various Army vehicles. AV plans to invest $30M in its Albuquerque facility to support product

AV has secured a NASA JPL contract to co-design and co-manufacture three helicopters for the SkyFall mission to Mars, targeting a November 2028 launch. The mission aims to gather data above and below Mars' surface, building on the Ingenuity helicopter program. AV is responsible for rotor systems, airframes, and avionics, while JPL develops power systems and software.

NASA and AeroVironment are developing three Mars helicopters for the SkyFall mission, launching in late 2028. The helicopters, larger versions of Ingenuity, will carry ground-penetrating radar and other instruments. They will be released midair and land independently, enabling exploration of wide regions on Mars.

The U.S. defense budget proposal allocates $1.5 trillion, with $74 billion for drones, sparking a rally in drone-related stocks. Companies like ONDS, RCAT, AVAV, KTOS, and DPRO saw overnight gains of 2-3%. ONDS's subsidiary secured a $20 million border security order, while RCAT and KTOS won recent defense contracts.

AeroVironment Inc (AVAV) shares rose 3.7% after securing a NASA contract for Mars helicopters. The company's P/S ratio is 3.74, below its historical median, suggesting undervaluation. AVAV has a GF Score of 79, with strong growth and profitability but moderate valuation. Insiders sold $3.1M in shares, while gurus increased holdings. The company's market cap is $7.74B.

NASA has selected AeroVironment (AVAV) to develop three helicopters for its 2028 SkyFall mission, focusing on Martian subsurface exploration. AVAV will handle key components, while JPL leads power and software. AVAV stock rose 2.2% on the news. The mission aims to study ice deposits and environmental data, building on prior Mars helicopter work.