It takes only 40 seconds to orbit – but just above the surface of Mars, it is considered a historic aircraft: NASA wants to ascend the Red Planet for the first time after several failed attempts by its “intelligent” helicopter.
WASHINGTON – The small helicopter “Ingenuity” is set to take off on Monday (April 19) for the first flight to Mars. The start, which has already been postponed several times, is scheduled for 9.30am CEST. Data from this will be available on Earth from 12.15 pm, according to the US space agency NASA.
This will be the first flight of an aircraft on another planet. However, they say the start could be postponed on short notice.
The first flight of the small helicopter, which landed on Mars on a rover called “Perseverance” in February, was originally scheduled for April 11, but was later postponed to April 14, and was later grounded again due to technical problems.
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Extreme conditions on Mars
The 1.8-kilogram “ingenuity” (German: முதல் முதல்)’s first test aircraft would rise to an altitude of about three meters, stay there for 30 seconds and then land on the surface of Mars again.
The helicopter must overcome extreme conditions: Mars will be cold at night up to minus 90 degrees, the planet’s gravity will be low and the atmosphere will be very thin.
The mini-helicopter was placed in the belly of “perseverance” (German: tolerance) at the end of February – after 203 days of flight and 472 million kilometers of travel – with a dangerous maneuver on the dry lake Mars. Over the next two years, “diligence” is to investigate this lake, which is about 45 kilometers in diameter.
“Intelligence” should prepare the field for future journeys
“Intelligence” is really like a drone. NASA engineers had to make the mini helicopter as bright as possible so that it could take off in a very thin Martian atmosphere. It weighs just 1.8 kilograms and is four feet long, with a missile and two propellers. The propellers rotate 2400 times per minute, which is five times faster than a normal helicopter.
NASA speaks of “ingenuity” as a demonstration mission. It has no other scientific purpose than to show that it is possible to fly to Mars. In addition, the US space agency wants to collect data from an aircraft on another planet.
In the future, such planes could “open a new era in Mars exploration,” explains project chief engineer Bob Balaram. For example, they may reach areas that Rovers cannot do. Such mini-helicopters will be able to “report” to a station on Mars in the future, i.e. they will be able to deliver their measurement data, images and rock samples there.
Edward Langley is a contributor to Nintendo-power.com, covering a wide range of topics including news, business, technology, entertainment, lifestyle and current affairs. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced and accessible reporting that helps readers stay informed about important developments and emerging trends. With an emphasis on accuracy, relevance and useful insights, Edward aims to provide engaging stories and practical information that matter to audiences in the UK and beyond.