Ingenuity, informally called Ginny, is a small autonomous robotic helicopter, is a pivotal component of NASA's Mars 2020 mission. On April 19, 2021, it etched its name in history by achieving the first powered, controlled flight on a planet other than Earth. Rising vertically, hovering, and gracefully landing, Ingenuity demonstrated its prowess on the Martian surface.
This solar-charged, battery-powered coaxial drone rotorcraft is a beacon of innovation, serving as a technology and operations demonstration. It paves the way for potential future missions involving flying probes on Mars and beyond, offering the capability to scout locations of interest.
Ingenuity's autonomy shines during its brief flights, guided by tele-robotic planning and scripting from operators at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). It communicates directly with the Perseverance rover after each landing, enhancing our ability to explore and understand the Red Planet's terrain and potential for future exploration.
