NASA lost contact with the pioneering Ingenuity helicopter in the middle of its 72nd flight to the Red Planet. During a scheduled descent on January 18, communications between Ingenuity and the Perseverance rover that relays data to Earth were interrupted.
The 1.8 kg helicopter had successfully reached its target height of 12 meters, as shown by the data sent to Perseverance. But the loss of the signal before landing caused concern about the situation of Ingenuity. NASA’s Space Propulsion Laboratory team is now analyzing options for restoring the links, possibly by bringing Perseverance closer for a visual inspection. To Ingenuity was part of Perseverance, which was presented to the state of Jezero in 2021 to hunt for ancient signs of life and to prepare samples for future return to Earth.
While Perseverance roams the surface, Ingenuity serves as a probe on an extended mission following its success as the first aircraft to fly to another planet. During 72 flights that covered 17 kilometers and 128 minutes in the air, the tiny helicopter helped demonstrate the enormous value of planetary air travel. It remains unclear whether Ingenuity’s pioneering numbers will increase amid this latest development.
NASA continues its efforts to restore communications, although the outcome depends on the diagnosis of the as-yet-unknown anomaly during the flight. Along with the applause for an incredible life, many probably hope that the achievements of the incredible helicopter will continue.
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