NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter sends back the first image of its first flight on Mars

After Perseverance’s first photo from Mars, its buddy Ingenuity helicopter made its first flight on the Red Planet. It sent back the first photo from its inaugural flight, which is the first controlled flight on another planet.

Ingenuity was made to test the first powered flight on Mars. It flew to Mars attached to Perseverance’s belly, so they landed together on Jezero Crater on 18 February 2021. You can also see them together in this “selfie” Perseverance recently took. Ingenuity’s mission is set to last 30 days, with one or more test flights.

A. helicopter. flew. on. Mars. today.

Here's a quick close-up / sharpened view
Well done @NASAPersevere #Ingenuity pic.twitter.com/QcscKeNwLl

— Dr. James O'Donoghue (@physicsJ) April 19, 2021

The helicopter took the photo you see above with its navigation camera, which autonomously tracks the ground during flight. While it’s most likely not the photo you’d frame and hang on the wall, it sure is a historic image.

NASA also streamed Ingenuity’s first flight earlier today, and you can check it out below in case you missed it.

[via DPReview, image credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech]