After over three years, NASA’s Ingenuity Mars helicopter mission which&nbsp;made history by being the first powered flight on another world, has ended, said the American space agency&nbsp;on Thursday (Jan 25).&nbsp;

Ingenuity, which had surpassed expectations time and time again since its lift-off for the red planet on April 19, 2021, sustained mission-ending damage.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened?</h2>

In a statement, NASA said that the aircraft made an “emergency landing” during its previous flight and that Ingenuity’s team had planned for the helicopter to make a “short vertical flight” on January 18 to pinpoint its location.&nbsp;

As planned, the helicopter achieved a maximum altitude of 40 feet, but while landing, when it was around three feet off the ground, Ingenuity lost contact with the rover.&nbsp;

The following day when the imagery and data returned to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, it was found that “one or more of its rotor blades” were damaged.&nbsp;

Therefore, while the helicopter remained “upright and in communication with ground controllers,” it was “no longer capable of flight,” said the American space agency.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-loses-but-regains-contact-with-ingenuity-helicopter-on-mars-682066">NASA regains contact with Ingenuity helicopter on Mars after unexpected outage</a>

Ingenuity’s team is still investigating the cause of the communications dropout and the helicopter’s orientation at the time of touchdown.&nbsp;

“The historic journey of Ingenuity, the first aircraft on another planet, has come to end,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson&nbsp;in a statement.&nbsp;

He added, “Through missions like Ingenuity, NASA is paving the way for future flight in our solar system and smarter, safer human exploration to Mars and beyond.”

<h2>‘Exceeded expectations’</h2>

Ingenuity reached Mars in February 2021, and during its time there, it&nbsp;exceeded expectations time and time again. The helicopter performed 72 flights, flying more than 14 times farther than planned, 33 times longer than expected, operated from 48 different airfields, and logged in more than two hours of flight time.

Over the years, Ingenuity was upgraded with the ability to autonomously choose landing sites on the red planet’s treacherous terrain. It also dealt with a dead sensor, cleaned itself after dust storms, performed three emergency landings, and even made it through the frigid Martian winter.

“That remarkable helicopter flew higher and farther than we ever imagined and helped NASA do what we do best – make the impossible, possible,” said Nelson.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-moon-sniper-switched-off-space-agency-says-data-transmission-completed-682353">Japan's Moon sniper switched off, space agency says data transmission completed</a>

Ingenuity initially began as a short technology demonstration to show flight was possible in the ultra-thin Martian atmosphere. However, it went on to become Perseverance rover’s trusty sidekick, by previewing areas of the red planet that might be of interest.&nbsp;

“It’s humbling Ingenuity not only carries onboard a swatch from the original Wright Flyer, but also this helicopter followed in its footsteps and proved flight is possible on another world,” said Ingenuity’s project manager, Teddy Tzanetos of NASA JPL.

He added, “History’s first Mars helicopter will leave behind an indelible mark on the future of space exploration and will inspire fleets of aircraft on Mars – and other worlds – for decades to come.”

(With inputs from agencies)

After over three years, NASA’s Ingenuity Mars helicopter mission which made history by being the first powered flight on another world, has ended, said the American space agency on Thursday (Jan 25).

After over three years, NASA’s Ingenuity Mars helicopter mission which made history by being the first powered flight on another world, has ended, said the American space agency on Thursday (Jan 25). Ingenuity, which had surpassed expectations time and time again since its lift-off for the red planet on April 19, 2021, sustained mission-ending damage. What happened? In a statement, NASA said that the aircraft made an “emergency landing” during its previous flight and that Ingenuity’s team had planned for the helicopter to make a “short vertical flight” on January 18 to pinpoint its location. As planned, the helicopter achieved a maximum altitude of 40 feet, but while landing, when it was around three feet off the ground, Ingenuity lost contact with the rover. The following day when the imagery and data returned to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, it was found that “one or more of its rotor blades” were damaged. Therefore, while the helicopter remained “upright and in communication with ground controllers,” it was “no longer capable of flight,” said the American space agency. ALSO READ | NASA regains contact with Ingenuity helicopter on Mars after unexpected outage Ingenuity’s team is still investigating the cause of the communications dropout and the helicopter’s orientation at the time of touchdown. “The historic journey of Ingenuity, the first aircraft on another planet, has come to end,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson in a statement. He added, “Through missions like Ingenuity, NASA is paving the way for future flight in our solar system and smarter, safer human exploration to Mars and beyond.” ‘Exceeded expectations’ Ingenuity reached Mars in February 2021, and during its time there, it exceeded expectations time and time again. The helicopter performed 72 flights, flying more than 14 times farther than planned, 33 times longer than expected, operated from 48 different airfields, and logged in more than two hours of flight time. Over the years, Ingenuity was upgraded with the ability to autonomously choose landing sites on the red planet’s treacherous terrain. It also dealt with a dead sensor, cleaned itself after dust storms, performed three emergency landings, and even made it through the frigid Martian winter. “That remarkable helicopter flew higher and farther than we ever imagined and helped NASA do what we do best – make the impossible, possible,” said Nelson. ALSO READ | Japan's Moon sniper switched off, space agency says data transmission completed Ingenuity initially began as a short technology demonstration to show flight was possible in the ultra-thin Martian atmosphere. However, it went on to become Perseverance rover’s trusty sidekick, by previewing areas of the red planet that might be of interest. “It’s humbling Ingenuity not only carries onboard a swatch from the original Wright Flyer, but also this helicopter followed in its footsteps and proved flight is possible on another world,” said Ingenuity’s project manager, Teddy Tzanetos of NASA JPL. He added, “History’s first Mars helicopter will leave behind an indelible mark on the future of space exploration and will inspire fleets of aircraft on Mars – and other worlds – for decades to come.” (With inputs from agencies)

NASA’s historic Ingenuity helicopter mission on Mars ends: Here’s what happened

Humanity skipped a beat when National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) informed about loss of&nbsp;contact with Ingenuity, the helicopter which carried-out the first-ever on-surface flight on another planet. It was thought that the helicopter, which has far exceeded its initial mission brief, had finally taken its last breath in the (thin) Martian atmosphere.

But NASA has re-established contact with the tiny flying machine on the red planet.

"Good news today," wrote NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) on X (formerly Twitter). In the post, NASA JPL said that it commanded the Perseverance rover to "perform long-duration listening sessions for Ingenuity's signal."

"The team is reviewing the new data to better understand the unexpected comms dropout during Flight 72," it added.

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Good news today: We've reestablished contact with the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarsHelicopter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MarsHelicopter</a> after instructing <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAPersevere?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASAPersevere</a> to perform long-duration listening sessions for Ingenuity’s signal. 
 
The team is reviewing the new data to better understand the unexpected comms dropout during Flight 72. <a href="https://t.co/KvCVwhZ5Rk">https://t.co/KvCVwhZ5Rk</a>
— NASA JPL (@NASAJPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAJPL/status/1748883252604236281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Communications with Ingenuity were suddenly lost when NASA was carrying out a test flight on Thursday (January 18). It was Ingenuity's 72nd lift-off from Mars.

Previously, NASA said that Ingenuity had climbed up to 40 feet from the Martian surface during its 72nd flight.

Watch | NASA unveils X-59 plane to test supersonic flight over US cities

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The flight was a "quick pop-up vertical flight to check out the helicopter's systems, following an unplanned early landing during its previous flight."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-pings-isro-on-the-moon-681846">NASA’s orbiter ‘pings’ ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon</a>

But as the helicopter was descending, NASA said that the Perseverance rover was temporarily "out of line-of-sight with Ingenuity, but the team could consider driving closer for a visual inspection."

<h2>Will Ingenuity fly again?</h2>

NASA hasn't confirmed anything yet and has said that it will have to assess data and look at the overall situation before it can say for sure.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mysterious-object-found-40000-light-years-away-could-be-the-lightest-black-hole-ever-or-heaviest-neutron-star-681472">Lightest black hole or heaviest neutron star? This object 40,000 light years away could be either</a>

Ingenuity weighs just over four pounds and has amazed scientists with its longevity.

(With inputs from agencies)

Humanity skipped a beat when National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) informed about loss of contact with Ingenuity, the helicopter which carried-out the first-ever on-surface flight on another planet.

Humanity skipped a beat when National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) informed about loss of contact with Ingenuity, the helicopter which carried-out the first-ever on-surface flight on another planet. It was thought that the helicopter, which has far exceeded its initial mission brief, had finally taken its last breath in the (thin) Martian atmosphere. But NASA has re-established contact with the tiny flying machine on the red planet. "Good news today," wrote NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) on X (formerly Twitter). In the post, NASA JPL said that it commanded the Perseverance rover to "perform long-duration listening sessions for Ingenuity's signal." "The team is reviewing the new data to better understand the unexpected comms dropout during Flight 72," it added. Good news today: We've reestablished contact with the #MarsHelicopter after instructing @NASAPersevere to perform long-duration listening sessions for Ingenuity’s signal. The team is reviewing the new data to better understand the unexpected comms dropout during Flight 72. https://t.co/KvCVwhZ5Rk — NASA JPL (@NASAJPL) January 21, 2024 × Communications with Ingenuity were suddenly lost when NASA was carrying out a test flight on Thursday (January 18). It was Ingenuity's 72nd lift-off from Mars. Previously, NASA said that Ingenuity had climbed up to 40 feet from the Martian surface during its 72nd flight. Watch | NASA unveils X-59 plane to test supersonic flight over US cities × The flight was a "quick pop-up vertical flight to check out the helicopter's systems, following an unplanned early landing during its previous flight." Also Read | NASA’s orbiter ‘pings’ ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon But as the helicopter was descending, NASA said that the Perseverance rover was temporarily "out of line-of-sight with Ingenuity, but the team could consider driving closer for a visual inspection." Will Ingenuity fly again? NASA hasn't confirmed anything yet and has said that it will have to assess data and look at the overall situation before it can say for sure. Also Read | Lightest black hole or heaviest neutron star? This object 40,000 light years away could be either Ingenuity weighs just over four pounds and has amazed scientists with its longevity. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA regains contact with Ingenuity helicopter on Mars after unexpected outage

NASA's connection with the intrepid Ingenuity Mars Helicopter has been re-established after a radio silence of more than two months, said the space agency on Friday. 
 
The mini rotorcraft went on the ride, along with the Perseverance rover, to Mars in early 2021 and managed to survive well even after its mission, which was slated for 30 days and was aimed at proving its technology's feasibility in five test flights. 
 
The rotorcraft, since then, has been deployed many times and act as an aerial scout in assisting the Perseverance rover in looking for signs of ancient microbial life from billions of years ago when the red planet was comparatively much wetter and warmer than today.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-hint-of-life-in-universe-nasa-makes-breakthrough-discovery-of-carbon-molecule-in-space-608984">A hint of life in universe? NASA makes breakthrough discovery of carbon molecule in space</a>

On April 26, Ingenuity's 52nd flight was launched, however, the contact was lost by mission controllers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California as the rotorcraft descended to the surface after its two minute, 1,191-foot (363-metre) hop. 
 
"The portion of Jezero Crater the rover and helicopter are currently exploring a lot of rugged terrains, which makes communications dropouts more likely," said Ingenuity team lead Josh Anderson, of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, in a statement. 
 
"The team’s goal is to keep Ingenuity ahead of Perseverance, which occasionally involves temporarily pushing beyond communication limits. We're excited to be back in communications range with Ingenuity and receive confirmation of Flight 52,” Anderson added.

<h2 lang="en-US">Hill breaks the communication</h2>

The scientists were expecting a loss of communications because of the presence of a hill between Ingenuity and Perseverance, which works as a relay between the Earth and the drone. 
 
Nonetheless, "this has been the longest we've gone without hearing from Ingenuity so far in the mission," said Joshua Anderson, Ingenuity team lead at JPL.

WATCH |&nbsp;Why is NASA eyeing lunar mining trials within the next decade?

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"Ingenuity is designed to take care of itself when communication gaps like this occur, but we all still had a sense of relief finally hearing back," he added. 
 
So far, the data received indicates that the helicopter is in good shape. If everything is normal in further health checks, Ingenuity will be geared up for its next flight westwards and will head to a rocky outcrop which the Perseverance team will be exploring. 
 
This is not the first time that Ingenuity has gone through downed communications. An ancient river delta was being scoured by the helicopter when it went missing for around six days in April, "an agonisingly long time," wrote chief engineer Travis Brown in a blog post.

(With inputs from agencies)

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NASA's connection with the intrepid Ingenuity Mars Helicopter has been re-established after a radio silence of more than two months, said the space agency on Friday.

NASA's connection with the intrepid Ingenuity Mars Helicopter has been re-established after a radio silence of more than two months, said the space agency on Friday. The mini rotorcraft went on the ride, along with the Perseverance rover, to Mars in early 2021 and managed to survive well even after its mission, which was slated for 30 days and was aimed at proving its technology's feasibility in five test flights. The rotorcraft, since then, has been deployed many times and act as an aerial scout in assisting the Perseverance rover in looking for signs of ancient microbial life from billions of years ago when the red planet was comparatively much wetter and warmer than today. ALSO READ | A hint of life in universe? NASA makes breakthrough discovery of carbon molecule in space On April 26, Ingenuity's 52nd flight was launched, however, the contact was lost by mission controllers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California as the rotorcraft descended to the surface after its two minute, 1,191-foot (363-metre) hop. "The portion of Jezero Crater the rover and helicopter are currently exploring a lot of rugged terrains, which makes communications dropouts more likely," said Ingenuity team lead Josh Anderson, of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, in a statement. "The team’s goal is to keep Ingenuity ahead of Perseverance, which occasionally involves temporarily pushing beyond communication limits. We're excited to be back in communications range with Ingenuity and receive confirmation of Flight 52,” Anderson added. Hill breaks the communication The scientists were expecting a loss of communications because of the presence of a hill between Ingenuity and Perseverance, which works as a relay between the Earth and the drone. Nonetheless, "this has been the longest we've gone without hearing from Ingenuity so far in the mission," said Joshua Anderson, Ingenuity team lead at JPL. WATCH | Why is NASA eyeing lunar mining trials within the next decade? "Ingenuity is designed to take care of itself when communication gaps like this occur, but we all still had a sense of relief finally hearing back," he added. So far, the data received indicates that the helicopter is in good shape. If everything is normal in further health checks, Ingenuity will be geared up for its next flight westwards and will head to a rocky outcrop which the Perseverance team will be exploring. This is not the first time that Ingenuity has gone through downed communications. An ancient river delta was being scoured by the helicopter when it went missing for around six days in April, "an agonisingly long time," wrote chief engineer Travis Brown in a blog post. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Home calling | NASA's Mars helicopter Ingenuity 'dials home', breaking 63-day silence

NASA's Ingenuity helicopter achieved a historic milestone when it completed its 50th flight on Mars on April 13. The helicopter flew well over 1,000 feet and reached an altitude of nearly 60 feet during the flight. "Just as the Wright brothers continued their experiments well after that momentous day at Kitty Hawk in 1903, the Ingenuity team continues to pursue and learn from the flight operations of the first aircraft on another world," Lori Glaze, director of NASA's Planetary Science Division, said in a statement.

NASA accompanied news of the 50th flight by Ingenuity along with a video of the helicopter flying over the Martian desert on its 47th flight. The video was captured by the Perseverance rover from almost 400 feet away and is absolutely fascinating.

"This video shows the dust initially kicked up by the helicopter's spinning rotors, as well as Ingenuity taking off, hovering, and beginning its 1,444-foot (440-meter) journey to the southwest," the space agency said. "The rotorcraft landed — off camera — at Airfield 'Iota.'"

Watch the video here

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A helicopter flying on another planet is an amazing feat for humanity. Ingenuity landed on Mars in February 2021 while being attached to NASA's Mars Perseverance rover. It undertook its first flight on April 19, 2021, and is approaching the two-year anniversary of its flight.

Each flight by the Ingenuity helicopter offers new insight into the red planet. It is proving to be exceptional for the scientists who can use data from its flight to design future Mars helicopters.&nbsp;

Ingenuity helicopter left the Jezero Crater’s floor on January 19 and has taken 11 flights since then. It has set new speed and altitude records of 14.5 mph (6.5 metres per second) and 59 feet (18 metres) while doing so.

Ingenuity has been navigating rugged and relatively uncharted terrain with each flight.&nbsp;

“We are not in Martian Kansas anymore,” Josh Anderson, Ingenuity operations lead at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, said.&nbsp;

“We’re flying over the dried-up remnants of an ancient river that is filled with sand dunes, boulders, and rocks, and surrounded by hills that could have us for lunch. And while we recently upgraded the navigation software onboard to help determine safe airfields, every flight is still a white-knuckler.”

Perseverance recently explored Foel Drygarn which is likely to contain hydrated silica. Ingenuity is now headed to Mount Julian from where it can capture a panoramic view into nearby Belva Crater.

(With inputs from agencies)

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NASA's Ingenuity helicopter achieved a historic milestone when it completed its 50th flight on Mars on April 13. The helicopter flew well over 1,000 feet and reached an altitude of nearly 60 feet during the flight.

NASA's Ingenuity helicopter achieved a historic milestone when it completed its 50th flight on Mars on April 13. The helicopter flew well over 1,000 feet and reached an altitude of nearly 60 feet during the flight. "Just as the Wright brothers continued their experiments well after that momentous day at Kitty Hawk in 1903, the Ingenuity team continues to pursue and learn from the flight operations of the first aircraft on another world," Lori Glaze, director of NASA's Planetary Science Division, said in a statement. NASA accompanied news of the 50th flight by Ingenuity along with a video of the helicopter flying over the Martian desert on its 47th flight. The video was captured by the Perseverance rover from almost 400 feet away and is absolutely fascinating. "This video shows the dust initially kicked up by the helicopter's spinning rotors, as well as Ingenuity taking off, hovering, and beginning its 1,444-foot (440-meter) journey to the southwest," the space agency said. "The rotorcraft landed — off camera — at Airfield 'Iota.'" Watch the video here × A helicopter flying on another planet is an amazing feat for humanity. Ingenuity landed on Mars in February 2021 while being attached to NASA's Mars Perseverance rover. It undertook its first flight on April 19, 2021, and is approaching the two-year anniversary of its flight. Each flight by the Ingenuity helicopter offers new insight into the red planet. It is proving to be exceptional for the scientists who can use data from its flight to design future Mars helicopters. Ingenuity helicopter left the Jezero Crater’s floor on January 19 and has taken 11 flights since then. It has set new speed and altitude records of 14.5 mph (6.5 metres per second) and 59 feet (18 metres) while doing so. Ingenuity has been navigating rugged and relatively uncharted terrain with each flight. “We are not in Martian Kansas anymore,” Josh Anderson, Ingenuity operations lead at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, said. “We’re flying over the dried-up remnants of an ancient river that is filled with sand dunes, boulders, and rocks, and surrounded by hills that could have us for lunch. And while we recently upgraded the navigation software onboard to help determine safe airfields, every flight is still a white-knuckler.” Perseverance recently explored Foel Drygarn which is likely to contain hydrated silica. Ingenuity is now headed to Mount Julian from where it can capture a panoramic view into nearby Belva Crater. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

An alien flight: Perseverance captures Ingenuity helicopter flying over Martian desert

Mars is a far-away dream. That is not to say that humans haven't reached the planet: we have, albeit, by proxy, as our rovers have been on the red soil. However, no man has ever stepped foot on Mars's surface. Yet, as per a new estimate, our race has already littered the red planet with more than 15,000 pounds or 7,000 kilogrammes&nbsp;of trash.

There is 15,694 pounds (approximately 7118.6 kilogrammes) of human debris on the red planet, estimates Cagri Kilic, a postdoctoral research fellow in robotics at West Virginia University. He&nbsp;analysed the mass of all Mars rovers and orbiters before deducting the weight of those that are still in use to arrive at this estimate.

Watch |&nbsp;Expanding problem of space debris: What is space junk? Why is it a problem?

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As per Daily Mail, the debris includes abandoned tools, dormant rockets, and spacecraft that have crashed onto the planet, including the Soviet Union's Mars orbiter 2 which made a crash landing in 1971.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-captures-mid-boggling-photo-of-ufo-like-object-on-mars-take-a-look-474921">NASA captures mind-boggling photo of UFO-like object on Mars. Take a look!</a>

Scientists fear that not only is our race polluting yet another planet, even as we struggle to save ours, but that this trash could contaminate the samples being collected by NASA’s Perseverance rover and endanger the missions worth millions of dollars&nbsp;to search for signs of life on mars.

However, the report points out that much of the discarded parts had to be abandoned in order to preserve ships as they soar through the Red Planet's harsh atmosphere. An example of this is NASA's Perseverance, which weathered seven minutes of hell when it landed in February 2021, and also resulted in the creation of an unavoidable amount of trash.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/did-an-asteroid-wipe-out-dinosaurs-new-study-claims-otherwise-heres-what-it-says-happened-518465" hreflang="en">Was an asteroid the sole reason dinosaurs went extinct? New study claims they were already 'dying out'</a>

Nine dormant spacecraft, including the Mars 3 and Mars 6 landers, the Viking 1 and Viking 2 landers, the Sojourner rover, the Schiaparelli lander of the European Space Agency, the Phoenix lander, the Spirit rover, and the Opportunity rover, are currently stranded on Mars.

Kilic claims that the majority of the robots are still in working order and that space agencies consider them as historical artefacts rather than scrap metal.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Mars is a far-away dream. That is not to say that humans haven't reached the planet: we have, albeit, by proxy, as our rovers have been on the red soil. However, no man has ever stepped foot on Mars's surface.

Mars is a far-away dream. That is not to say that humans haven't reached the planet: we have, albeit, by proxy, as our rovers have been on the red soil. However, no man has ever stepped foot on Mars's surface. Yet, as per a new estimate, our race has already littered the red planet with more than 15,000 pounds or 7,000 kilogrammes of trash. There is 15,694 pounds (approximately 7118.6 kilogrammes) of human debris on the red planet, estimates Cagri Kilic, a postdoctoral research fellow in robotics at West Virginia University. He analysed the mass of all Mars rovers and orbiters before deducting the weight of those that are still in use to arrive at this estimate. Watch | Expanding problem of space debris: What is space junk? Why is it a problem? As per Daily Mail, the debris includes abandoned tools, dormant rockets, and spacecraft that have crashed onto the planet, including the Soviet Union's Mars orbiter 2 which made a crash landing in 1971. Also read | NASA captures mind-boggling photo of UFO-like object on Mars. Take a look! Scientists fear that not only is our race polluting yet another planet, even as we struggle to save ours, but that this trash could contaminate the samples being collected by NASA’s Perseverance rover and endanger the missions worth millions of dollars to search for signs of life on mars. However, the report points out that much of the discarded parts had to be abandoned in order to preserve ships as they soar through the Red Planet's harsh atmosphere. An example of this is NASA's Perseverance, which weathered seven minutes of hell when it landed in February 2021, and also resulted in the creation of an unavoidable amount of trash. Also read | Was an asteroid the sole reason dinosaurs went extinct? New study claims they were already 'dying out' Nine dormant spacecraft, including the Mars 3 and Mars 6 landers, the Viking 1 and Viking 2 landers, the Sojourner rover, the Schiaparelli lander of the European Space Agency, the Phoenix lander, the Spirit rover, and the Opportunity rover, are currently stranded on Mars. Kilic claims that the majority of the robots are still in working order and that space agencies consider them as historical artefacts rather than scrap metal. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Humans yet to set foot on Mars, but the red planet is already 'littered' with 7000 kg of our trash

NASA has captured a mind-boggling image of Mars!

It shows a UFO-like object lying on Mars' surface. Is this a Martian automobile? Is this an intergalactic transit pod? What is it, exactly?

Firstly, we must accept that it would've been the coolest thing ever if it actually was a UFO or a piece of alien hardware. But no...the object in the picture is of human origins.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-reports-a-fireball-that-generated-energy-equivalent-of-3-tons-of-tnt-read-more-474797" hreflang="en">NASA reports a fireball that generated energy equivalent of 3 tonnes of TNT! Read more</a>

It's a piece of a shattered spacecraft that NASA owns. The component you see in the picture is called 'backshell' that detached from the space agency's Perseverance rover in February 2021.

However, as NASA engineer Ian Clark put it, the images "exude otherworldly" vibes.

The photographs were shot by the Perseverance rover's robotic helicopter buddy, Ingenuity after it spent a year on Mars.

Watch |&nbsp;Expanding problem of space debris: What is space junk? Why is it a problem?

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Last week, Ingenuity captured a set of ten photos during its 26th flight, and these are some of them.

<img alt="Ingenuity" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="96b11eb1-22a7-4da6-b3a3-5136c4beb93c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/stories%20%285%29_2.jpg" />

Image courtesy: NASA JPL/Twitter

Both the backshell and the parachute that aided Perseverance and Ingenuity's descent to Mars can be seen in the pictures.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/revisiting-prehistoric-era-fossils-of-3-ichthyosaurs-including-giant-tooth-found-in-swiss-alps-says-study-474679" hreflang="en">Revisiting prehistoric era: Fossils of 3 ichthyosaurs including giant tooth found in Swiss Alps, says study</a>

This isn't just space waste, according to the New York Times, analysing the remains of this backshell could be useful for NASA's next trip to Mars, which has been dubbed Mars Sample Return.

Two landers will be placed on the planet's surface, as well as a rover that will gather space rock, i.e., rock samples that are drilled Perseverance, and a rocket that will launch these samples into orbit so that they can be returned to Earth.

Watch WION LIVE HERE:

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(With inputs from agencies)

NASA has captured a mind-boggling image of Mars! It shows a UFO-like object lying on Mars' surface. Is this a Martian automobile? Is this an intergalactic transit pod?

NASA has captured a mind-boggling image of Mars! It shows a UFO-like object lying on Mars' surface. Is this a Martian automobile? Is this an intergalactic transit pod? What is it, exactly? Firstly, we must accept that it would've been the coolest thing ever if it actually was a UFO or a piece of alien hardware. But no...the object in the picture is of human origins. Also read | NASA reports a fireball that generated energy equivalent of 3 tonnes of TNT! Read more It's a piece of a shattered spacecraft that NASA owns. The component you see in the picture is called 'backshell' that detached from the space agency's Perseverance rover in February 2021. However, as NASA engineer Ian Clark put it, the images "exude otherworldly" vibes. The photographs were shot by the Perseverance rover's robotic helicopter buddy, Ingenuity after it spent a year on Mars. Watch | Expanding problem of space debris: What is space junk? Why is it a problem? Last week, Ingenuity captured a set of ten photos during its 26th flight, and these are some of them. Image courtesy: NASA JPL/Twitter Both the backshell and the parachute that aided Perseverance and Ingenuity's descent to Mars can be seen in the pictures. Also read | Revisiting prehistoric era: Fossils of 3 ichthyosaurs including giant tooth found in Swiss Alps, says study This isn't just space waste, according to the New York Times, analysing the remains of this backshell could be useful for NASA's next trip to Mars, which has been dubbed Mars Sample Return. Two landers will be placed on the planet's surface, as well as a rover that will gather space rock, i.e., rock samples that are drilled Perseverance, and a rocket that will launch these samples into orbit so that they can be returned to Earth. Watch WION LIVE HERE: (With inputs from agencies)

NASA captures mind-boggling photo of UFO-like object on Mars. Take a look!

NASA has delayed by at least several days the first flight of its mini-helicopter on Mars after a possible tech issue emerged while testing its rotors, the US space agency said Saturday.

Ingenuity's trip, which is to be the first-ever powered, controlled flight on another planet, was set for Sunday but is now on hold until at least April 14.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-insight-lander-detects-two-new-quakes-on-mars-376532">NASA's InSight lander detects two new quakes on Mars</a>

A high-speed test of the four-pound (1.8 kilogram) helicopter's rotors on Friday ended earlier than expected due to an alert of a potential issue.

"The helicopter team is reviewing telemetry to diagnose and understand the issue," NASA said in a statement. "Following that, they will reschedule the full-speed test."

NASA noted the copter is "safe and healthy" and had sent information back to Earth.

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Initially, the plan for Sunday was to have Ingenuity fly for 30 seconds to take a picture of the Perseverance rover, which touched down on Mars on February 18 with the helicopter attached to its underside.

NASA calls the unprecedented helicopter operation highly risky but says it could reap invaluable data about the conditions on Mars. &nbsp;

The flight is a true challenge because the air on Mars is so thin — less than one per cent of the pressure of Earth's atmosphere.&nbsp;

This means Ingenuity must spin its rotor blades much faster than a helicopter needs to do on Earth in order to fly.

After the flight, Ingenuity will send Perseverance technical data on what it has done, and that information will be transmitted back to Earth.&nbsp;

This will include a black and white photo of the Martian surface that Ingenuity is programmed to snap while flying.

A day later, once its batteries have charged up again, Ingenuity is to transmit another photo — in colour, of the Martian horizon, taken with a different camera.

If the flight is a success, NASA plans another no more than four days later. It plans as many as five altogether, each successively more difficult, over the course of a month.

NASA hopes to make the helicopter rise five meters (16 feet) and then move laterally.

The mission is be the equivalent on Mars of the first powered flight on Earth — by the Wright brothers in 1903 in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. A piece of fabric from that plane has been tucked inside Ingenuity in honour of that feat.

NASA has delayed by at least several days the first flight of its mini-helicopter on Mars after a possible tech issue emerged while testing its rotors, the US space agency said Saturday.

NASA has delayed by at least several days the first flight of its mini-helicopter on Mars after a possible tech issue emerged while testing its rotors, the US space agency said Saturday. Ingenuity's trip, which is to be the first-ever powered, controlled flight on another planet, was set for Sunday but is now on hold until at least April 14. Also read | NASA's InSight lander detects two new quakes on Mars A high-speed test of the four-pound (1.8 kilogram) helicopter's rotors on Friday ended earlier than expected due to an alert of a potential issue. "The helicopter team is reviewing telemetry to diagnose and understand the issue," NASA said in a statement. "Following that, they will reschedule the full-speed test." NASA noted the copter is "safe and healthy" and had sent information back to Earth. Also read | Russia's Soyuz rocket placed into orbit with 3 astronauts on board Initially, the plan for Sunday was to have Ingenuity fly for 30 seconds to take a picture of the Perseverance rover, which touched down on Mars on February 18 with the helicopter attached to its underside. NASA calls the unprecedented helicopter operation highly risky but says it could reap invaluable data about the conditions on Mars. The flight is a true challenge because the air on Mars is so thin — less than one per cent of the pressure of Earth's atmosphere. This means Ingenuity must spin its rotor blades much faster than a helicopter needs to do on Earth in order to fly. After the flight, Ingenuity will send Perseverance technical data on what it has done, and that information will be transmitted back to Earth. This will include a black and white photo of the Martian surface that Ingenuity is programmed to snap while flying. A day later, once its batteries have charged up again, Ingenuity is to transmit another photo — in colour, of the Martian horizon, taken with a different camera. If the flight is a success, NASA plans another no more than four days later. It plans as many as five altogether, each successively more difficult, over the course of a month. NASA hopes to make the helicopter rise five meters (16 feet) and then move laterally. The mission is be the equivalent on Mars of the first powered flight on Earth — by the Wright brothers in 1903 in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. A piece of fabric from that plane has been tucked inside Ingenuity in honour of that feat.

NASA delays Mars copter flight for tech check

NASA is targeting early April for the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter to make the first attempt at powered, controlled flight on another planet, the space agency said Tuesday.

Right now, the ultra-light aircraft remains fixed to the belly of the Perseverance rover, which touched down on the Red Planet on February 18.

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On Sunday, Perseverance dropped the debris shield that had protected Ingenuity during landing and is currently making its way to the "airfield" where Ingenuity will attempt its flights.

Once there, it will have 30 Martian sols -- equal to 31 Earth days -- to carry out its mission.&nbsp;

"The best guess we have right now is April 8," for the first flight, said Bob Balaram, Mars Helicopter chief engineer at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, though he added it could be sooner or later by a few days.

Balaram revealed for the first time that Ingenuity is carrying a small piece of cloth that covered one of the wings of the Wright brothers' first aircraft that achieved the first powered flight on Earth at Kitty Hawk in 1903, to pay tribute to the milestone.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/perseverance-searches-for-life-on-mars-369682/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Ingenuity will be attempting to fly in an atmosphere that is one per cent the density of Earth's, which makes achieving lift harder -- but will be assisted by gravity that is one-third our planet's.

The first flight will involve&nbsp;climbing at a rate of about three feet (one meter) per second to a height of 10 feet (three meters), hovering there for 30 seconds, then descending back to the surface.

Ingenuity will be taking high-resolution photography as it flies.

Before any of this happens, however, Ingenuity needs to be placed at its launching site, and set upright, a process that will take a few more days.

Once Perseverance drops off the helicopter, it needs to drive away about five meters within 25 hours so it doesn't cast a shadow on Ingenuity.&nbsp;

That's the number of time Ingenuity's batteries will be able to run a heater without needing to recharge via its solar panels.

This part is critical to surviving the night time temperatures which can plunge as low as minus 130 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 90 degrees Celsius).

If left unheated, the helicopter's unshielded electrical components will freeze and crack, killing the mission before it even begins.

If things however go to plan, Perseverance will take up a position at a distance to record Ingenuity's exploits with its own cameras.

Up to five flights of gradual difficulty are planned over the course of the month.

The four-pound (1.8-kilogram) rotorcraft cost NASA around $85 million to develop and is considered a proof of concept that could revolutionize&nbsp;space exploration.

Future aircraft could cover ground much more quickly than rovers, and explore more rugged terrain.

The next one planned is Dragonfly, a rotorcraft-lander that&nbsp;will launch in 2026 and arrive at Saturn's icy moon Titan in 2034.

NASA is targeting early April for the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter to make the first attempt at powered, controlled flight on another planet, the space agency said Tuesday.

NASA is targeting early April for the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter to make the first attempt at powered, controlled flight on another planet, the space agency said Tuesday. Right now, the ultra-light aircraft remains fixed to the belly of the Perseverance rover, which touched down on the Red Planet on February 18. Also read| Astronomers capture polarised light swirling around black hole's magnetic fields On Sunday, Perseverance dropped the debris shield that had protected Ingenuity during landing and is currently making its way to the "airfield" where Ingenuity will attempt its flights. Once there, it will have 30 Martian sols -- equal to 31 Earth days -- to carry out its mission. "The best guess we have right now is April 8," for the first flight, said Bob Balaram, Mars Helicopter chief engineer at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, though he added it could be sooner or later by a few days. Balaram revealed for the first time that Ingenuity is carrying a small piece of cloth that covered one of the wings of the Wright brothers' first aircraft that achieved the first powered flight on Earth at Kitty Hawk in 1903, to pay tribute to the milestone. Ingenuity will be attempting to fly in an atmosphere that is one per cent the density of Earth's, which makes achieving lift harder -- but will be assisted by gravity that is one-third our planet's. The first flight will involve climbing at a rate of about three feet (one meter) per second to a height of 10 feet (three meters), hovering there for 30 seconds, then descending back to the surface. Ingenuity will be taking high-resolution photography as it flies. Before any of this happens, however, Ingenuity needs to be placed at its launching site, and set upright, a process that will take a few more days. Once Perseverance drops off the helicopter, it needs to drive away about five meters within 25 hours so it doesn't cast a shadow on Ingenuity. That's the number of time Ingenuity's batteries will be able to run a heater without needing to recharge via its solar panels. This part is critical to surviving the night time temperatures which can plunge as low as minus 130 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 90 degrees Celsius). If left unheated, the helicopter's unshielded electrical components will freeze and crack, killing the mission before it even begins. If things however go to plan, Perseverance will take up a position at a distance to record Ingenuity's exploits with its own cameras. Up to five flights of gradual difficulty are planned over the course of the month. The four-pound (1.8-kilogram) rotorcraft cost NASA around $85 million to develop and is considered a proof of concept that could revolutionize space exploration. Future aircraft could cover ground much more quickly than rovers, and explore more rugged terrain. The next one planned is Dragonfly, a rotorcraft-lander that will launch in 2026 and arrive at Saturn's icy moon Titan in 2034.

First flight of NASA's Ingenuity Mars Helicopter to take place in early April