Published 18:24 IST, February 18th 2021
Ingenuity Mars Helicopter: Check out the Mars Helicopter's design, activity and more
Ingenuity Mars Helicopter is all set for the first powered flight on another planet. Check out the Mars Helicopter's design, activity, and more.
- Science News
- 3 min read
For researchers, space investigation has become one of the first concerns. One of the most investigated planets in space is Mars and different wanderers have been shipped off for examination of this planet. The most recent mission by NASA is to send the Perseverance Rover to Mars and accumulate different sorts of intel of Habitability and Resources of the planet. Many are curious about the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter.
About Ingenuity Mars Helicopter
This helicopter has been created to demonstrate technology that will test powered flight on another planet for the first time. It has been said that Ingenuity Mars Helicopter on Perseverance Rover will hitch a ride until it can conduct a series of flight tests in a 30 Martian-Day experiment.
Mars Helicopter design
Scientists have spent a lot in research and development for the Ingenuity Helicopter. They have spent 80 million dollars in building it and an additional 5 million dollars will be required in order to operate it during its month-long mission. The Mars Helicopter Design is Built to be light and strong enough to stow away under the rover while on the way to Mars and survive the harsh Martian environment after arriving on the surface. The helicopter weighs less than 4 pounds (1.8 kilograms). Check out the main parts of the Ingenuity Helicopter below:
- Antennas: Radio antennas talk to Earth via the Mars 2020 rover and the Mars orbiters.
- Avionics and Body: Its avionics help the helicopter function and navigate. The body has insulation and heaters to keep sensitive electronics warm and survive cold Martian nights.
- Batteries: Batteries help power the helicopter.
- Blades: Made of carbon fiber foam core provide lift in the thin Mars atmosphere.
- Solar Panel: A solar panel helps keep the battery charged.
- Sensors and Camera: Sensors collect data on how fast the helicopter is traveling and in which direction. Cameras help the helicopter see.
Mars Helicopter activity
The Mars Helicopter activity will be straining, and it will have to go through a series of tests. The helicopter may fly for up to 90 seconds, to distances of almost 980 feet (300 meters) at a time and about 10 to 15 feet from the ground. The helicopter flies on its own, without human control. It must take off, fly, and land, with minimal commands from Earth, sent in advance.
What will Ingenuity Mars Helicopter do on the Red Planet?
Many people are wondering what will Ingenuity Mars Helicopter do on Mars. Fortunately, there have been some set milestones for the Mars Helicopter that it needs to complete once it has reached the planet. Check out the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter milestones below:
- Survive launch, cruise to Mars, and land on the Red Planet.
- Deploy safely to the Martian surface from the belly pan of the Perseverance rover and unfold from its stowed position correctly.
- Keep warm (autonomously) through the intensely cold Martian nights (as frigid as minus 130 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 90 degrees Celsius).
- Charge (autonomously) using its solar panel.
- Confirm communications with the rover and flight operators on Earth.
- Spin up its rotor blades for the first time (to a speed below what would be needed for flight).
- Liftoff for the first time in the thin Martian atmosphere.
- Fly autonomously.
- Land successfully.
Updated 18:24 IST, February 18th 2021