Why in News:

• NASA’s miniature robot helicopter Ingenuity performed a successful takeoff and landing on Mars

Ingenuity Helicopter

• The Ingenuity Mars Helicopter is a technology demonstration, carried out by the Perseverance rover.
• The rover released the mini helicopter that successfully made the first powered flight on another planet.
• The flight will be challenging because Mars’ thin atmosphere (which is 99% less dense than Earth’s)  makes it difficult to achieve enough lift.
• It has a wireless communication system, and is equipped with computers, navigation sensors, and two cameras.
• It is solar-powered, able to charge on its own.

Importance of  Ingenuity Mission:

• According to NASA, the helicopter was placed on the Martian surface to test for the first time ever-powered flight in the planet’s thin air.
• Perform a supportive role as robotic scouts, surveying terrain from above, or as full standalone science craft carrying instrument payloads.
• It will help collect samples from the surface from locations where the rover cannot reach.
• NASA will try and demonstrate rotorcraft flight in the extremely thin atmosphere of Mars with this helicopter, which is why the mission is so crucial.

 To know about Perseverance Rover: https://officerspulse.com/perseverance-rover/

 Reference:

1. https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/nasa-aims-for-historic-helicopter-flight-on-mars/article34355420.ece