NASA scientists have identified the most likely cause of the crash of the Ingenuity Mars lander, nearly 11 months after it made its final flight. According to scientists, Ingenuity’s onboard navigation sensors were unable to discern enough terrain detail on the relatively smooth surface in the Jezero Crater area to accurately determine the helicopter’s location.
Therefore, Ingenuity moved horizontally rather than vertically as it descended. This caused the helicopter to roll over upon contact with the ground – resulting in all four wings breaking off.
It took scientists a long time to determine the cause of Ingenuity’s crash because there was no black box on board: Researchers had to draw conclusions based on limited data and images.
“While there are several possible scenarios based on available data, there is one scenario we believe is the most likely: the lack of surface texture gave the navigation system too little information to work with. “, Ingenuity’s first pilot, Jet Laboratory’s Howard Grip, said in a press release. NASA’s move.
Also read – Scientists will record a black hole, a “photobomb” resulting from an explosion