#ThanksIngenuity – NASA’s Mars Helicopter Team Says Goodbye
The Mars Ingenuity Helicopter flew for the last time on Jan. 18, 2024, and NASA concluded its flight operations after post-flight imagery confirmed damage to at least one of the rotorcraft’s rotor blades that rendered it no longer capable of flight. As the historic mission comes to its end, Ingenuity’s team reflects on some of their favorite moments and memories from the helicopter’s time on Mars.
Designed as a technology demonstration that was expected to fly no more than five times over 30 days, the helicopter’s primary mission was to prove that powered, controlled flight on another planet was possible, which it did on April 19, 2021. But Ingenuity exceeded expectations and transitioned into an operations demonstration – completing 72 flights in just under three years and paving the way for future aerial exploration on the Red Planet and beyond.
NASA invites the public to celebrate Ingenuity’s legacy by sharing messages on social media with the hashtag #ThanksIngenuity.
For more information on Ingenuity, go to: mars.nasa.gov/ingenuity
Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech; WATSON images: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS; Mastcam-Z images: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS
Transcript
[Robert Hogg] We have opened the skies of another planet.
THE INGENUITY MARS HELICOPTER WAS THE FIRST POWERED EXTRATERRESTRIAL AIRCRAFT
[Sarah Landburg] Ingenuity really opened the door for aerial exploration on Mars.
[Tim Canham] It’s just been this plucky little helicopter that just defied everybody’s expectations.
AFTER COMPLETING 72 FLIGHTS OVER ALMOST 3 YEARS,
INGENUITY FLEW FOR THE LAST TIME ON JANUARY 18, 2024
[Taryn Bailey] I’m incredibly proud and grateful for all that Ingenuity has been able to give us.
[off-camera - Sam Molleur] What would you say to Ingenuity directly one last time?
[Martin Cacan] Oh, you’re gonna make me cry, you know...
[Steven Sholes] What would I say to Ingenuity?
[Sriramya Bhamidipati] It’s really hard to say goodbye to you.
[Flynn Platt] I would say, thank you.
[Farah Alibay] Ingenuity, thank you for bringing us all together.
[Robert Hogg] Thank you for leading the charge in our adventure on Mars and we will never forget you.
[Farah Alibay] Rest well.
[Nacer Chahat] Thank you Ingenuity.
[Barry Ridge] Thank you Ingenuity.
[Sriramya Bhamidipati] Thanks Ingenuity.
[Steven Sholes] Thanks Ingenuity.
#THANKSINGENUITY
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