Mars helicopter

[Gyro]

Actually, I'm not sure I follow chemistry of that one though...  CO₂ -> O₂ + CO ?

Probably this:

https://www.pnas.org/content/109/39/15606

"CO2 splitting, CO2 → CO + 1/2 O2"

ARRGGHH!!!  . . .
Oxygen exists in a Diatomic state/molecule.
2 x CO2  -->  2 x CO  +  O2   

Isn't that the same equation?

You can't have O but you can have half as much O₂.

[MikeK]

I'm assuming the authors of that article knew what they were talking about when they wrote that equation.

[Brumby]

ARRGGHH!!!  . . .
Oxygen exists in a Diatomic state/molecule.
2 x CO2  -->  2 x CO  +  O2   

Isn't that the same equation?

You can't have O but you can have half as much O₂.

In a volumetric sense, I suppose - but in chemical formula expressions, I was never guided into half of anything.  You get multiples of whole molecules in a result - not half ones.

[BrianHG]

[MikeK]

Fourth flight is impressive:

"872-foot (266-meter) round trip"

Would be nice if this could do some scouting for the rover.  Would be really nice if it would video a descent into one of the caves.

[Gyro]

It has been so successful that it's mission has been extended - it is going to be doing some scouting for the rover....

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-56951752