NASA has announced that the 52nd flight of the Mars helicopter Ingenuity, which took place on April 26, was successful. After a 63-day radio silence, communication was restored with the helicopter on June 28. However, NASA admits that the long wait for the results of the flight was challenging. The data received indicates that Ingenuity is in good condition, and if further tests are positive, it could fly again in the coming weeks.
Ingenuity relies on the Perseverance rover to establish communication with Earth. The rover is capable of communicating with Earth via probes orbiting Mars and can transmit data or receive commands. Both Ingenuity and Perseverance are currently in more difficult terrain compared to the initial months after landing, making longer radio silences expected.
Ingenuity was brought to Mars with Perseverance in February 2021 with the goal of demonstrating that a motorized aircraft could successfully take off on the planet. It has since proven its capabilities and now accompanies the rover on its mission. However, NASA acknowledges that the mission could end at any time, as they are aware of the challenging conditions on Mars.
Overall, communication with Ingenuity has been reestablished after the radio silence, and the helicopter’s condition is deemed satisfactory. NASA is now awaiting further test results to determine if Ingenuity can resume its flights in the near future.
