"Resilient Mars Chopper Defies Expectations, Awaits Sequel"
NASA's Mars Ingenuity helicopter, which has far exceeded its original 30-day mission, is now being replaced with a more robust version. Engineers have been testing updated carbon fiber rotor blades that are longer and have a different design. The helicopter's involvement is now planned for a Mars sample return mission instead of the initial "fetch" rover concept. Ingenuity has set new altitude and speed records, and engineers are pushing its capabilities further. The testing has provided a unique opportunity to combine Earth-based simulations with real-world Martian conditions.