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Ingenuity Mars Helicopter Struggles with Communication Issues
The Ingenuity helicopter paved new ground (air?) in April 2019, when it communicated data of its first flight—the first powered, controlled flight on another planet—to NASA scientists on Earth. But now, it seems Ingenuity isn’t interested in communicating with its engineering team at all; as of late, the Mars helicopter has only communicated with NASA scientists intermittently and unpredictably.
Communication Breakdown
The communication breakdown is making it difficult for the Ingenuity team to guide the craft around the Martian landscape—and crucially, both within range but safely away from the Perseverance rover, the real star of the Mars 2020 program.
Status Update
According to a status update written by Travis Brown, Ingenuity’s chief engineer, the communication problems started in earnest following Ingenuity’s 49th flight on April 2, 2023, which set records for the rotorcraft’s height and airspeed. Following downlink of data from its 49th flight, the Ingenuity team failed to uplink instructions for the rotocraft’s next flight.
Brownout Issues
But the issues with Ingenuity’s communication go back farther, Brown wrote. Shortly after the rotorcraft’s 40th flight in January 2023, Ingenuity began struggling with “brownouts”—periods in which the chopper would slip into its low-power mode, which keeps the craft alive during harsh winter nights on Mars. Last year, a cold-induced low power state gave NASA engineers a similar scare about the helicopter’s survivability.
Challenges in Coordinating Flights
It became difficult to predict when Ingenuity would wake from these brownouts, in turn making it difficult for the team to coordinate the rotorcraft’s flights. All the while, the Perseverance rover has been continuing its procession across Jezero Crater’s western rim, investigating a dried-up river delta for areas of geological and astrobiological interest.
Close Shave for Flight 50
On Sol 755, the team lost contact with the helicopter again, and there was radio silence for the next week. The team began to consider the possibility that Ingenuity had died. But on Sols 761 and 762, singular radio pings confirmed the space helicopter persisted.
Obstructed Communications
The team determined that a Martian ridge between Perseverance and Ingenuity was obstructing communications from the helicopter. Since Ingenuity has transitioned from a tech demo of flight on other worlds to a scout for Perseverance, which is charged with investigating the Jezero Delta, the helicopter has generally stayed in front of the rover’s projected path.
Dust Accumulation on Solar Panels
Brown noted that dust on the helicopter’s solar panels means the cat-and-mouse game may persist, as Ingenuity may struggle to get power. Hopefully the team doesn’t encounter similar buildup to that which ended the InSight lander mission late last year.
Conclusion
The Ingenuity helicopter is facing communication issues which are making it difficult for the team to guide the craft and coordinate its flights. Dust accumulation on the solar panels of the helicopter adds to the challenge of obtaining power. However, the helicopter persists as a valuable tool in scouting for the Perseverance rover. The team will continue to work to overcome these challenges as they explore the Martian landscape.
FAQs
What is the Ingenuity helicopter?
The Ingenuity helicopter is a rotorcraft that is exploring the Martian surface as part of the Mars 2020 program.
What is the communication issue with the Ingenuity helicopter?
The helicopter has only communicated with NASA scientists intermittently and unpredictably, making it difficult for the team to guide the craft and coordinate its flights.
What is causing the communication issue?
According to a status update written by Travis Brown, Ingenuity’s chief engineer, the communication problems started in earnest following Ingenuity’s 49th flight on April 2, 2023, which set records for the rotorcraft’s height and airspeed. Additionally, Ingenuity has been struggling with “brownouts”—periods in which the craft would slip into its low-power mode. A Martian ridge between Perseverance and Ingenuity is also obstructing communication.
What impact does dust accumulation on the solar panels have on the Ingenuity helicopter?
Dust accumulation on the helicopter’s solar panels means the craft may struggle to get power, adding to the challenge of obtaining communication and guiding the craft.
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