WASHINGTON: NASA announced on Saturday that it had successfully re-established contact with the diminutive helicopter, Ingenuity, on Mars.
The unexpected communications outage had raised concerns about the fate of the resilient craft, but the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) confirmed the positive development.
Ingenuity, a drone standing at just 1.6 feet (0.5 meters) tall, made history in 2021 as the first motorized craft to achieve autonomous flight on another planet. Transported to Mars aboard the rover Perseverance, Ingenuity has been a key player in exploring the Martian landscape.
During its 72nd lift-off on Mars, Ingenuity faced an unexpected communications blackout during a test flight. NASA reported that Ingenuity had reached an altitude of 40 feet (12 meters) on Flight 72, conducting a rapid vertical flight to assess its systems after a previous unplanned landing.
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NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory successfully restored contact by commanding Perseverance to conduct extended listening sessions for Ingenuity’s signal. The team is now analyzing the new data to understand the cause of the unexpected communications dropout during Flight 72.
In response to inquiries about Ingenuity’s potential for future flights, JPL mentioned that a thorough assessment of the new data is necessary before determining the craft’s capability to fly again. The team remains optimistic but acknowledges the need for careful analysis.
Weighing a mere four pounds (1.8 kilograms), Ingenuity has surpassed expectations, covering over 10 miles (17 kilometers) and reaching altitudes of up to 79 feet (24 meters). Its resilience in enduring Martian conditions, including frigid nights, has contributed to its remarkable longevity.
Ingenuity’s restored contact brings hope for its continued contributions as an aerial scout, aiding Perseverance in the search for signs of ancient microbial life on Mars. The unforeseen challenges only add to the awe-inspiring journey of this pioneering Martian explorer.
