Operators of the Ingenuity helicopter lost contact with the device after its 72nd flight to Mars. According to authorities, the incident occurred on Thursday, January 18. Web site NASA.
“Ingenuity data sent to the Perseverance rover (which served as a relay between the helicopter and Earth) during its flight indicates that it successfully climbed to its intended maximum altitude of 40 feet (12 meters).
During the planned landing, communication between the helicopter and the rover was lost before landing. The Ingenuity team is analyzing the available data and evaluating next steps to restore communication with the helicopter,” the release states.
NASA experts plan to send the Preservance rover to Ingenuity’s intended landing site, as the machines are now some distance apart. Inspection of the helicopter using the rover’s cameras will help assess its condition.
During its stay on Mars, Ingeniuty flew a total of 17.7 kilometers and spent 128 minutes in the red planet’s sky. The device performs aerial reconnaissance and helps the Preservance rover plan optimal routes.
Previously NASA researchers managed Reconnect with Ingeniuty after a two-month break.