Martian drone Ingenuity survives week-long communications blackout

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) nearly lost its unmanned Ingenuity helicopter, which has been on Mars for more than two years. The agency lost contact with the drone for almost a week.

Here's What We Know

Starting on the 685th Martian day, the helicopter began switching to night survival mode. Initially, NASA specialists did not pay attention to this, but on the 755th day, communication with Ingenuity was completely lost.

The drone remained out of contact for 6 Martian days, i.e. 6 days and 6 hours according to our time. On the 761st Martian day of the mission Ingenuity was able to send a signal. Another day later, it sent another signal. However, the drone did not respond in any way to the experts' attempts to establish communication.

Ingenuity has been engaged in escorting the Perseverance rover. It was important for NASA to get the drone to fly, as the rover kept moving. Fortunately, the helicopter was able to make the flight. On the 763rd Martian day since the start of the mission Ingenuity made a 300-metre flight during which it reached a height of 18 metres, a record.

Source: NASA