Ingenuity completed its 51st mission to Mars and photographed the Perseverance rover
Less than two weeks after its 50th anniversary flight, the Martian unmanned helicopter Ingenuity has re-entered the Red Planet's atmosphere. Once again it photographed the landscape of Mars, but this time it captured the Perseverance rover.
Here's What We Know
Ingenuity's 51st mission lasted just over two minutes (136.89 seconds). During this time the unmanned helicopter flew 188 metres (the record is 704 metres). The drone flew to an altitude of 12 metres (record 18 metres).
Can you spot @NASAPersevere?
- NASA JPL (@NASAJPL) April 25, 2023
Ingenuity completed Flight 51 over the weekend, snapping a special landing of the rover from 40 ft (12m) in the air. On this flight, the #MarsHelicopter traveled 617 ft (188 meters) for 136.89 seconds. https://t.co/1CXIWdYIAQ pic.twitter.com/Oyi6hkucPv
Ingenuity flew a total of over 90 minutes and travelled almost 12km. It should not be expected to set new records for altitude and flight time. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, the battery has degraded over a year. Secondly, a lot of dust has accumulated on the solar panels and blades.
Ingenuity follows the Perseverance rover, which is aiming for the top of the Martian delta. Because of the long delay, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) specialists are unable to control the helicopter, so the helicopter travels along a predetermined route.
Source: NASA
