The Mars Ingenuity helicopter is set to take a break to recharge its batteries following its last successful flight just over a month ago.
Power is a problem for the experimental flying machine as dust in the Martian atmosphere means less sunlight reaches the spacecraft’s solar panels to charge its batteries. Ingenuity managed to manage one next trip sweetheart To deal with a failed tendency, as well as a Loss of connection Because of power issues, but won’t try more until at least August.
Finally, the helicopter has operated 29 flights since it first flew into the Martian sky over a year ago. The last one, in June, lasted for a little over a minute as the helicopter rushed into place to improve communications with the persistent rover.
The creativity has exceeded all reasonable expectations for performance and longevity, even though the clock is running out for the device. Engineers had to adapt operations as the helicopter continued to operate following its original test campaign, planned for conditions most suitable for a Martian spring. The lack of sunlight during the winter meant the helicopter had to be shut down for the night and its electronics endured drops in temperatures.
Dust levels in the atmosphere are expected to drop in July, “so the team decided to give the helicopter batteries a break for a few weeks and build the daily charging case back up.” to me NASA.
If all goes as planned, engineers hope the helicopter will take to the skies once more in early August.
Dust has spoiled many NASA probes over the years. The Opportunity vehicle has finally been launched finished in After a dust storm following 15 years circling the surface, the agency’s InSight lander is set to blast off into a fire of data-collection glory in the next month or so as its power levels decline. While some wags may wonder why a wiper can’t be installed, engineers will patiently explain the payload limitations and note that in both cases, the robot and lander exceeded all expectations regardless.
And of course there is Always on xkcd. Especially when it comes to the Extended Opportunity mission.
The creativity helicopter is a victory for engineering. After 29 flights, it will likely be indebted for a few weeks to recharge its batteries. ®
