Ingenuity has successfully completed its third flight on Mars, revealing a first shot

The third creative journey to Mars was successful. In an official statement released by NASA on Sunday, the US space agency confirmed the success of a new reconnaissance mission for Ingenuity. The theft occurred on Sunday, April 25, at 7:31 am (Paris time). The spacecraft rose nearly 5 meters above the Earth’s surface before covering a distance 50 meters, and a top speed of 7 km / h. This is the fastest mission Ingenuity has accomplished since it launched in early April. Despite the first two successful flights, this new flight allowed NASA scientists to learn more about flight conditions in the Martian atmosphere. Creativity Program Director Dave Lavery praised this third achievement, saying: “Today’s flight was as expected, yet impressive. Through this flight, we showcase critical capabilities that will add an air dimension to future missions to Mars.”

The first aerial photos

If having the first robotic vehicle flying on Mars would allow scientists to better prepare their next space missions on the Red Planet, Ingenuity also made it possible for the general public to discover the first aerial photograph of Mars. On Saturday, NASA participated in a Color photography of the Martian environment. The photo was taken during the second Ingenuity flight on April 22nd, and the photo was taken over 5 meters high. In particular, we can see the tracks of the chariot wheels of perseverance on the planet’s sandy surface.

After three successful flights, Ingenuity has yet to complete its mission to Mars. Up to five flights are planned in total, after which the helicopter will leave open space for perseverance to devote itself to other projects. In response to a question by AFP, the chief engineer of the MiMi Aung project explained: “We really want to push our car to the limit.”.