Mars helicopter “Ingenuity” sends last message to Earth
Published: Wednesday, Apr 17th 2024, 14:40
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After more than three years on Mars, the mini-helicopter "Ingenuity" has sent its last message to Earth. According to the US space agency NASA, the last data record from the surprisingly durable device was received by the control center on Tuesday.
However, "Ingenuity" will remain on Mars and continue to collect data "that could benefit future explorers of the Red Planet". The helicopter, which resembles a drone, landed on the Red Planet in February 2021 together with the Perseverance rover and supported it as an "aerial reconnaissance vehicle" in the search for signs of possible life on Mars. In April 2021, "Ingenuity" completed its first flight - a first in the history of space travel.
At the beginning of the mission, the goal for the helicopter, which weighs just 1.8 kilograms, was to complete five flights on Mars within 30 days. Ultimately, however, 72 flights were completed in almost three years. In January, NASA reported that the aircraft had suffered damage to "one or more" rotor blades and could no longer fly.
Longevity exceeds expectations
However, the longevity of the small flying device exceeded all expectations. It defied dust storms, treacherous terrain, a dead sensor and the extremely icy temperatures on Mars. The solar-powered heating system, which was designed for operation in spring, could not remain switched on all night in winter - which caused the flight computer to freeze. However, the engineers succeeded in developing new procedures.
Switzerland was also involved in the helicopter: Six tiny motors from the Maxon company in Sachseln OW controlled the helicopter's flight direction.
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