NASA announced the conclusion of the Mars helicopter, Ingenuity’s mission after it completed its 72nd flight on January 18. The decision was prompted by the discovery that a portion of one of Ingenuity’s twin rotor blades had broken off during its final flight, rendering it incapable of further operation.
Ingenuity exceeded its original mission parameters, initially designed for a 30-day technology demonstration with a maximum of five short flights. The helicopter flew over the Martian terrain 14 times farther than planned, covering a distance of 10.5 miles through its 72 flights. Its final flight took place in a barren area of Mars, testing its auto-navigational system. Ingenuity, which was carried to Mars by the Perseverance rover, will now remain idle on Mars, occasionally emitting data before losing contact with the rover.
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Ingenuity’s achievements were considered historic, as it was the first vehicle to achieve powered, controlled flight on another planet. Originally designed for a short debut takeoff and landing, the helicopter’s capabilities were tested over time with progressively more ambitious flights.
The end of its mission came after an “emergency landing” during its penultimate flight on January 6, following navigational disorientation. Subsequent attempts to perform a short, vertical flight revealed that Ingenuity had suffered damage during its final touchdown. Engineers believe guidance difficulties in the “bland” Martian terrain resulted in a loss of equilibrium, causing the helicopter to tilt or move sideways, leading to rotor damage.
NASA sees Ingenuity’s accomplishments as paving the way for future aerial exploration on Mars and other celestial bodies, with lessons learned for upcoming missions, such as the Dragonfly rotor-craft planned for Saturn’s moon Titan.
