Now that you’ve got uncovered Google’s hidden Easter egg let’s delve into the fascinating world of NASA’s Mars Helicopter, Ingenuity. After a collection of checks and diagnostics, Ingenuity made its first powered flight above the Martian surface on April 19, 2021.

Since its deployment, Ingenuity has launched into a collection of take a look at flights, showcasing its capabilities within the skinny Martian ambiance. The copter’s major mission is to help the Perseverance Rover by scouting and offering invaluable knowledge on potential scientific factors of curiosity.

Originally deliberate for anyplace between one to 5 flights, Ingenuity has far exceeded its operational goals. As of January 2024, Ingenuity has carried out 69 flights, and extra flights are scheduled sooner or later. The plane was additionally just lately within the information after it set a brand new distance document on Mars by flying 2,315 toes (705 meters) throughout its 69th flight.

Ingenuity did give NASA a little bit of a scare in 2023 after NASA misplaced contact with the craft whereas performing its 52nd flight. The helicopter remained uncontactable for properly over two months (63 days, to be exact) earlier than NASA finally reconnected with the aircraft when the Perseverance Rover moved nearer to it.