Ingenuity, Mars’ helicopters have already unlocked two propellers as preparations continue for the vehicle’s first flight, as it will take place no earlier than Sunday (April 11).
Intelligence arrived to Mars on February 18, along with NASA. Persistence roverOn a far-flung trip to the Red Planet hidden in the belly of a rover on April 4, the little chopper parted ways with a diligent preparation to take to the skies during a month-long test campaign. If Ingenuity’s Sunday harassment is successful, it will be the first time driven and guided. Flying on another world.
“Blade of Glory, also known as the blade of #MarsHelicopter It has been unlocked and ready for testing, ”NASA̵
7;s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California wrote in a tweet posted this morning (April 8). Slow for the first time on the Martian surface “Related: The selfies of NASA’s Mars helicopter and the perseverance rover are amazing.
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Ingenuity’s flight preparation process was slow and cautious, in part because, at 4 pounds (1.8 kg), the helicopter traveled to Mars in a folded fashion behind a protective shield.
After the rover dropped the shield and drove it to an airport, the helicopter operator had to order it. Unwrap and unfold.Perseverance then had to set Ingenuity directly on the Martian surface and drive it away, letting the helicopter solar panels begin to support the aircraft.
Unlocking and testing the Ingenuity blades is one of the last milestones before the helicopter attempts to fly. NASA officials said they would test the propellers first at 50, then at 2,400 rpm, before the helicopter attempted to fly.
As ingenuity prepares to fly, perseverance continues to investigate the scenery and settle on the Red Planet. Among other activities, the car-sized rover has photographed its own tire marks and complex science arms.
Email Meghan Bartels at mbartels@space.com. Or follow her on Twitter @meghanbartels follow us On Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook
