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    Historic First Flight of Mars Helicopter Delayed by NASA – Here’s Why

    By NASA11 Comments2 Mins Read
    NASA's Ingenuity Mars Helicopter
    In this illustration, NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter stands on the Red Planet’s surface as NASA’s Perseverance rover (partially visible on the left) rolls away. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

    Based on data from the Ingenuity Mars helicopter that arrived late Friday night, NASA has chosen to reschedule the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter’s first experimental flight to no earlier than April 14.

    During a high-speed spin test of the rotors on Friday, the command sequence controlling the test ended early due to a “watchdog” timer expiration. This occurred as it was trying to transition the flight computer from ‘Pre-Flight’ to ‘Flight’ mode. The helicopter is safe and healthy and communicated its full telemetry set to Earth.

    Ingenuity Begins to Spin Its Blades
    NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter does a slow spin test of its blades, on April 8, 2021, the 48th Martian day, or sol, of the mission. This image was captured by the Navigation Cameras on NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

    The watchdog timer oversees the command sequence and alerts the system to any potential issues. It helps the system stay safe by not proceeding if an issue is observed and worked as planned.

    The helicopter team is reviewing telemetry to diagnose and understand the issue. Following that, they will reschedule the full-speed test.

    Ingenuity's Blades Are Released
    NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter unlocked its blades, allowing them to spin freely, on April 7, 2021, the 47th Martian day, or sol, of the mission. This image was captured by the Mastcam-Z imager aboard NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover on the following sol, April 8, 2021. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

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    11 Comments

    5. Steve B on

      I was so excited waiting for the helicopter to fly that I am now clinically depressed waiting for the new flight date.

      Reply
    6. Jackson G on

      hmm idk it seems wierd but i mean wether and really anything can change on a planet that we dont know 100% abought

      Reply
    7. Dan S on

      This is much more expensive than most personal helicopters but if they get some good information out of this I’m fine with it. …. try try again

      Reply
    9. Christian Wainwright on

      Personally I’m very excited with the whole mars mission esp. “ingenuity’s “ part. But I smell a rat and reckon something far more sinister is up with the flight of ingenuity and worry that the, not quite making sense language being used, is some sort of soft padding for a disappointment to come.
      I hope I’m wrong and lift off goes ahead without loosing any more fingernails. Good luck.

      Reply
    10. Jerry Sell on

      So excited! Waiting with abated breath. Best of luck to Ingenuity and all those involved it it’s program. Being in the composites industry for 36 years I am proud!!

      Reply
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