Ingenuity, NASA’s Mars helicopter, may have crashed during its 72nd flight on January 18, 2024, but it isn’t finished.

Despite rotor damage, the helicopter’s avionics and sensors remain functional, allowing it to continue operating as a weather station, taking images and recording telemetry daily.

NASA’s investigation into the crash revealed that the Martian surface’s bland texture caused the navigation system to lack critical information.

While communication with Earth may soon end due to the helicopter’s distance from Perseverance, Ingenuity’s mission has exceeded expectations, flying 72 times instead of the planned five, Space.com has reported.

Looking ahead, JPL is already developing a new, larger helicopter concept, Mars Chopper, for future missions on Mars.

Written by B.C. Begley