Scientists fly kites on Earth to study Mars

Scientists of the University of Arizona's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory have taken to kites that they fly above lava flows blanketing the Hawaiian landscape to unravel the past mysteries that shaped Mars.

This is the kite's perspective of theDecember 1974

flow showing the platy surface of the lava,

"bathtub ring" and drain.

Image courtesy Christopher Hamilton.

Read the entire Mars Daily article on how man's oldest aircraft is being used for research about Mars.

A typical KAP rig

A sled kite produces plenty of lifting power

For very little investment you can take breathtaking photos

Want to learn more about KAP (Kite Aerial Photography)? Here's some resources:

A website called (what else?) Kite Aerial Photography

...and there's a very informative video all about KAP on YouTube.