NASA's Ingenuity helicopter transitions to weather station role on Mars after crash

NASA's Ingenuity Mars Helicopter has been repurposed as a weather station after a crash during its 72nd flight on January 18, 2024. The crash damaged its rotors, ending its flying capabilities, but its systems remain functional. Ingenuity will now collect telemetry data and images on Mars for up to 20 years. However, it relies on the Perseverance rover for communication, which is currently 3 kilometers away. Loss of contact could happen within a month. NASA is also exploring designs for a new Mars helicopter. The proposed model would have six rotors and be able to carry scientific instruments over greater distances autonomously.