A satellite orbiting the Red Planet has detected the Ingenuity Mars chopper, which is accompanying the Perseverance rover.
Ingenuity was discovered by NASA‘s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) using its HiRISE camera, which can record 28-gigabit photos in only six seconds. The image is remarkable because the rotors of Ingenuity only span four feet (1.2 meters). HiRISE is frequently used to monitor the status of assets on Mars.
The Perseverance rover is currently sitting on fragmented bedrock known as the Maaz Formation. The rover is navigating the formation, which is most likely volcanic in origin, in order to reach a deltaic deposit several kilometers to the north.
After completing its 23rd successful flight since deployment, Ingenuity is 200 meters west of Perseverance. The Mars helicopter team had planned for 18 total flights, but Ingenuity has continued to shine. Ingenuity will most likely be imaged again by NASA’s MRO as Perseverance approaches its destination.
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