Ingenuity helicopter makes 56th flight on Mars, covers 410 meters in latest hop

NASA's Ingenuity helicopter flew for the 56th time on Mars and achieved a key goal on the red planet. According to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) which manages Ingenuity, it travelled 1,334 feet (410 meters) and covered a maximum altitude of 12 meters in its latest flight. "The goal of this flight was to reposition the helicopter," JPL said after the flight on August 31. 

The #MarsHelicopter completed Flight 56, traveling 1,334 ft (410 m) across the Martian surface at a maximum altitude of ~39 ft (12 m). The goal of this flight was to reposition the helicopter.

More flight stats: https://t.co/7DMHj9LkNX pic.twitter.com/cxGOr6eO6L

— NASA JPL (@NASAJPL)

The helicopter was meant to be used as a technology demonstration of a powered and controlled flight on another planet. Designed for just five flights, Ingenuity exceeded expectations and has lasted more than two years and covered a distance of approximately 13 km in 56 flights. Ingenuity reached Mars attached beneath the Perseverance rover which touched down on the red planet on February 18, 2021. 

Ingenuity flew for the first time on April 19, 2021 and has grown to become a guide to the Perseverance rover as it scouts the barren Martian terrain before the rover proceeds to explore it. 

Ingenuity completes 56th flight, prepares for 57th

The #MarsHelicopter is ready to attempt Flight 57!

It’s set to take off no earlier than Sept. 2. Ingenuity is expected to fly 204 meters north for about 120 seconds. https://t.co/6xIGUMoMdQ pic.twitter.com/iE1R3071ax

— NASA JPL (@NASAJPL)

After completing its 56th flight, Ingenuity is preparing for its next flight scheduled on September 2. "It’s set to take off no earlier than Sept. 2. Ingenuity is expected to fly 204 meters north for about 120 seconds," JPL wrote in a post on X. The helicopter is set to breach its own limitations yet again as it was designed to fly for up to 90 seconds but will be airborne for 120 seconds in the next one. Notably, Ingenuity flies without human control as the commands are sent in advance due to communication delays between the Earth and Mars. The helicopter has also demonstrated its durability as it has managed to survive the harsh Martian nights when temperature dips as low as -90°C.