On 19th April 2021, the autonomous NASA helicopter Ingenuity made its first flight at Wright Brothers Field on Mars.
Ingenuity (also nicknamed Ginny) became the first aircraft to perform powered and controlled extra-terrestrial flight. Although originally planned to make not more than five flights, the helicopter turned out to be much more than a technology demonstrator and remained operational for almost three years.
During that time, Ingenuity performed seventy-two flights. In most of them the rotorcraft was used in a role of aerial scout for the NASA Mars Rover.
More information about development, operational use and the final flight of the Mars Helicopter Ingenuity can be found in our articles mentioned below:
- Ingenuity Mars Helicopter completes its 50th flight
- Historic journey of Ingenuity, NASA Mars Helicopter has come to end
Cover photo: Helicopter Above Perseverance on Mars – an illustration depicts Mars Helicopter Ingenuity during a test flight on Mars (by NASA – PIA24127).
