NASA’s New Software Levels Up Planet Exploration

NASA’s Mars exploration helicopter, named Ingenuity, first landed on Mars on February 18, 2021, and made its first flight over Mars on April 19, 2021. Ingenuity was also the first helicopter to fly outside of Earth.

Normally scheduled for 30 Mars days (about 31 Earth days), Ingenuity is still on the red planet due to the new orientation software developed by NASA, and the reconnaissance helicopter made its first flight with that software.

Why is flight with NASA’s navigation software so important?

Ingenuity flew only on the flat surfaces of the red planet in its flight almost 2 years ago. Considering the possibility of problems on uneven surfaces, such a route was preferred.

However, thanks to NASA’s new navigation software, Ingenuity can now fly over rough, stony and dangerous surfaces. This shows us that humanity has advanced to a level in planetary exploration.

Flying only 5 meters above the ground, Ingenuity advanced above the mentioned surface for 18 seconds. This new navigation software uses digital elevation maps of Jezero Crater to distinguish changes in terrain and vehicle movement. This improves Ingenuity’s accuracy, allowing pilots to target smaller airfields forward.

If this technology is developed, much more efficient reconnaissance flights can be made in flights much longer than 18 seconds. What are you thinking? Please do not forget to share your thoughts with us in the comments section.