Mars helicopter Ingenuity aces 1st flight after major software update - Space.com

The update will make Ingenuity more capable in hilly terrain.

NASA's Mars helicopter Ingenuity has performed its shortest-ever flight, the first after a major software update that will allow the little chopper to land more safely and navigate over rugged terrain. .

Ingenuity's 34th flight, which took place on Tuesday (Nov. 22), lasted only 18 seconds and saw the helicopter briefly hover after takeoff above Mars' surface before landing just 16 feet (5 meters) away from its starting point.

29, was the first try-out of a new software system that was beamed to Ingenuity from Earth to improve its ability to operate in the rugged terrain that its parent Perseverance rover is currently exploring. .

Related: Soar over Mars rover tracks with Ingenuity helicopter (video).

"While in flight, Ingenuity will identify the safest visible landing site," the Ingenuity team said in a statement (opens in new tab).

The software will also make Ingenuity more confident in flight!

The old software would think the helicopter was veering, which would make it actually veer while in flight in a misguided attempt to stabilize its course. .

— Watch the Mars helicopter Ingenuity take a record-breaking flight in daring NASA video.