'Software issue': NASA's Ingenuity helicopter crashes on Mars after 72 successful flights
Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Ingenuity's Crash During 72nd Flight
NASA's Ingenuity helicopter, which landed on Mars in 2021 alongside the Perseverance rover, crashed during its 72nd flight on January 18, 2024. The mishap occurred due to a software glitch, leading to the loss of stabilization mid-maneuver.
Credit : NASA
Mission Overview and Performance
Initially designed as a technology demonstration for five flights, Ingenuity far exceeded expectations. Over nearly three years, it completed 72 flights, traveled more than 30 times its planned distance, and logged over two hours of flight time.
Credit : NASA
Crash Details and Investigation
The helicopter crashed after attempting a 12-meter ascent to capture images. While communication was briefly lost, it was restored the following day. However, images later revealed significant damage to the rotor blades. NASA attributed the crash to faulty navigation system data caused by Mars’ uniform terrain.
Credit : NASA
Impact of Ingenuity’s Achievements
Despite the crash, Ingenuity is considered a success. It was the first aircraft to achieve powered flight on another planet and served as a scout for Perseverance, aiding in Mars sample collection.
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Ongoing Contributions
Though no longer flying, Ingenuity continues to transmit weather and test data weekly to the Perseverance rover. This information remains valuable for future Mars missions and planetary research.
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Lessons for Future Mars Helicopters
NASA’s findings from Ingenuity’s crash are being applied to the development of new aircraft. The insights will enhance the design and functionality of future helicopters operating in extraterrestrial environments.
Credit : NASA
Plans for the Mars Chopper
NASA is now working on the Mars Chopper, a larger six-rotor helicopter capable of carrying payloads and traveling up to two miles per Martian day. This new vehicle, currently in the design phase, aims to explore areas inaccessible to rovers, such as cliffs and craters.
Credit : NASA