NASA publishes stunning images of the most complex Mars helicopter flight to date

During the trip, creativity ventured into an inaccessible area of ​​Sittah. Are you watching?

In early September, Ingenity Helicopter Mars completed one of its most complex flights to date on its thirteenth flight. The Mars helicopter ventured into a rather rugged area, where it is not easy to take off and land. However, Ingenuity was able to explore the area for a minimum of 160.5 seconds. Curious about what he saw here? NASA is now releasing great images!

Thirteenth creative journey
During the thirteenth flight of a Mars helicopter, he discovered an inaccessible area called Séítah. This area is characterized by many small sand hills, and therefore is difficult to reach for Martian astronauts. But also for ingenuity, exploring this “unfriendly zone” is not without risk. For example, the systems Ingenuity uses to determine its location and altitude are designed for flights over flat terrain. It also cannot be excluded that the helicopter will land in a much more dangerous area than the sandy plains that were previously selected as a landing site. Finally, the helicopter’s communications system will also be tested during flight. However, the Mars helicopter managed to complete the flight and managed to stay in the air for at least 160.5 seconds. Despite this success, the journey is rightly rated as one of his most complex ever.

Using Mastcam-Z (an advanced camera system), the Persevering Mars rover was able to capture Ingenuity’s thirteenth flight from afar. Below are the close-up photos.

Flight
When the Mars helicopter takes off, a small dust column formation can be seen. After that, Creativity rises to the planned height of 8 meters above the surface of Mars and makes a small rotation. A maneuver by which the helicopter evokes the color camera. Creativity then tilts forward, propelling the rotors horizontally through the thin Martian air. Later, the helicopter returned and landed near its take-off place.

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Mastkam-Z
Perseverance also captured Ingenuity’s journey from a larger perspective with Mastcam-Z. Those pictures can be seen below.

The images show how the Mars helicopter is moving from left to right and back again. Takeoff and landing can also be seen.

new photos
“The value of Mastcam-Z is really reflected in these new images,” said Justin Mackie, who is responsible for the camera and images captured by Perseverance during its mission to Mars. “Even from a distance of 300 metres, we are treated to beautiful close-up shots of takeoff and landing with the Mastcam-Z’s ‘right eye’. Although the helicopter is just a small spot in the wide view shots, it gives viewers an idea of ​​the scale of the environment it is exploring. creativity “.

Meanwhile, the Mars helicopter is already preparing for its sixteenth flight on the Red Planet. During this next flight, Creativity will rise to a height of 10 meters and spend about 100 seconds in the air. The intent is for the creativity to travel 116 meters and land near the edge of South Sitt.

Winton Frazier

 "Amateur web lover. Incurable travel nerd. Beer evangelist. Thinker. Internet expert. Explorer. Gamer."

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