The Ingenuity helicopter, a faithful companion to the Mars rover, has concluded its remarkable journey on the Red Planet. After completing an impressive 72 flights, NASA scientists have decided to name the location of its final flight “Valinor Hills”.
This beautiful name refers to a land of eternal peace that has never known evil. Some compare it to Tolkien’s version of heaven. Unfortunately, the region of the Martian plain where Ingenuity’s flight ended is so monotonous that the helicopter had difficulty determining its position. It lacked a distinctive reference point.
Ingenuity, as the first flying device on another planet, exceeded the expectations of its creators. Originally planned for just 5 flights, it proved to be an excellent scout for the Perseverance rover. We can be certain that future NASA exploration missions will also be equipped with similar devices.
Unfortunately, despite being in good condition, a mechanical defect has been discovered on Ingenuity. The attached photo shows a damaged rotor blade. This damage prevents further flights. However, as long as the helicopter remains within the reach of the Perseverance rover, it can still transmit diagnostic data that may be used in the future.
Meanwhile, Perseverance continues its mission autonomously. Its priority is to study the planet and collect samples. If all goes according to plan and NASA receives the necessary funding, these extraordinary samples will reach Earth in the next decade, providing us with valuable information about our neighboring planet in space.
Image source: NASA
Text source: NASA, Space.com
FAQ:
1. What is the name of the location where the Ingenuity helicopter concluded its flight on Mars?
The location of the Ingenuity helicopter’s final flight on Mars is named “Valinor Hills”.
2. What does the name “Valinor Hills” mean?
The name “Valinor Hills” refers to a land of eternal peace that has never known evil. It is a comparison to Tolkien’s version of heaven.
3. Did the Ingenuity helicopter meet the scientists’ expectations?
Yes, the Ingenuity helicopter exceeded the expectations of its creators. It was originally planned for only 5 flights, but it completed an impressive 72 flights.
4. What damage was found on the Ingenuity helicopter?
A damaged rotor blade was discovered on the Ingenuity helicopter, which prevents further flights.
5. Is the Ingenuity helicopter still transmitting diagnostic data?
Yes, despite the damage, as long as the Ingenuity helicopter remains within the reach of the Perseverance rover, it can still transmit diagnostic data.
6. What mission is the Perseverance rover continuing?
The Perseverance rover is continuing its mission of studying the planet Mars and collecting samples.
7. When can we expect the samples from Mars to reach Earth?
If all goes according to plan and NASA receives the necessary funding, these extraordinary samples will reach Earth in the next decade, providing us with valuable information about Mars.
Definitions:
– Ingenuity helicopter: The first flying device to perform a flight on Mars. It was an experimental helicopter that conducted reconnaissance for the Perseverance rover.
– NASA: National Aeronautics and Space Administration – the American agency responsible for space exploration and research.
Related Links:
– NASA (Official NASA Website)
The source of the article is from the blog be3.sk