Recorded 15 February, 2024.

With a first flight on April 19, 2021, NASA's Ingenuity helicopter broke ground on new capabilities for remote planetary missions. For nearly three years, the little drone far exceeded the originally planned technology demonstration of up to five flights, taking off and landing 72 times! Sadly, damage to the rotor blades has now left Ginny grounded, but the spacecraft has paved the way for future aerial explorers at Mars and, potentially, other space destinations.

 

Join senior astronomer and Director of Unistellar Citizen Science Dr. Franck Marchis in this exciting SETI Live with Ingenuity Team Lead Teddy Tzanetos, as they look back at the stunning accomplishments of this small but mighty craft and discuss what’s next for the future of drones and planetary science. 

 

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