The autonomous helicopter has survived for almost a year on the Red Planet – well beyond the original 31-day technology demonstration mission for which it was designed. Originally scheduled for no more than five flights, the 4-pound vessel has so far completed 23, defying expectations and switching to an operational gear, acting as an aerial detector for Red Planet’s companion rover Perseverance. The latest landmark – which raises the helicopter’s total distance to more than 5,000 meters – comes almost a year after completing its historic first flight, hovering over Mars’ Jezero Crater for 39.1 seconds. Tweet Ingenuity ‘s mission was extended to September 2022, allowing it to continue testing its limits to support the design of future Mars aircraft. “Less than a year ago we did not even know if it was possible for a controlled flight to Mars to be powered by an engine,” said Thomas Zurbuchen, co-managing director of NASA’s Science Mission earlier this month. “Now we look forward to Ingenuity’s participation in Perseverance’s second science campaign.”

To enhance its chances of success, NASA’s JPL is conducting software updates to improve operational flexibility and flight safety. National Space Club & Foundation, awarded to an individual or group of breakthroughs in space or aeronautics in the US. “Just as Robert H. Goddard’s first liquid-fueled rockets in the 1920s led to interplanetary missions, Ingenuity could lead us to a future full of fleets of Mars aircraft soaring through its delicate atmosphere.” added Janet. Get our best stories! Subscribe to What’s New Now to receive our top stories delivered to your inbox every morning. This newsletter may contain ads, promotions, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter implies your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.