Question

In 2020 NASA on sending it's Mar's Rover into space with a modified helicopter. The Mars helicopter is not your traditional helicopter. For a helicopter with a single rotor (like the ones you usually see on Earth), the tail rotor is required to counteract the change in angular momentum (and the frictional torque from the air) due to the main rotor spinning. Explain why the helicopter design is more practical in space. Your answer should include the effects gravity has on angular momentum (specifically a helicopter), conservation of angular momentum, and how it is calculated. Provides references to any credible sources you use in your answer.

Answer 1

When the main rotor roates, there will be air friction in earth's atmosphere. This resistance due to air can result in a torque. This can make helicopter unstable. In order to nullify this torque, tail rotor rotates in opposite direction to conserve the angular momentum of the helicopter.

In space, there is no air. Hence, there is no air friction. Hence, helicopter is free from any external forces or torques. This is why the helicopter design is more practical in space.