Ingenuity Mars Helicopter Mission Ends After 'Bland' Terrain Damage
NASA's Ingenuity helicopter sustained rotor damage during a flight on Mars, likely due to the featureless, sandy terrain it was navigating. The damage has grounded the helicopter permanently, as it has compromised its balance and thrust. Despite this setback, the team will continue to gather engineering data from Ingenuity as long as it remains within communication range of the Perseverance rover. The helicopter's pioneering flights have paved the way for future Mars exploration, and there is hope that it could be retrieved and displayed in the Smithsonian in the future.