NASA’s Mars Ingenuity Helicopter Just Resumed Contact After Two Months Of Radio Silence – SlashGear

Despite being missing for over two months, and staying at one place for an extended period, Ingenuity seems to be in very good condition. This is primarily because scientists had already prepared for a loss of contact scenario prior to Flight 52. In such a scenario, the original plan was to drive the Perseverance rover over the hill by the end of June, which is exactly what the JPL did two days ago.

While scientists continue to review data from Ingenuity’s last flight back in April, it is already clear to them that all of Ingenuity’s onboard systems are in perfect working order. Once JPL scientists complete the remainder of Ingenuity’s health checks, they intend to prep the rotorcraft for its 53rd flight mission. If all goes to plan, we could see Ingenuity take this flight within the next couple of weeks.

NASA has already set Flight 53’s target, likely involving a journey to an interim airfield west of Ingenuity’s current location. Following Flight 53, the rotorcraft is expected to undertake another flight in the same direction, establishing a new base of operations near a rocky outcrop slated for exploration by the Perseverance Team in the forthcoming months.