The mission objective was "the demonstration of an innovative and reliable method for scientific investigation of the Valles Marineris on the planet Mars". This would be best achieved by an aircraft capable to carry 13,5 kg of scientific instruments on Mars for a flight duration of 6 hours. After a design period stretching several months, it was clear that it is very well possible to build an aircraft like this. The design was called the Mars Airborne Canyon Explorer, in short MACE.
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