Nasa's Ingenuity contacts Earth after 60-day pause

The helicopter went off the grid when it initiated its 52nd flight to Mars' Jezero Crater.

Ingenuity team lead Josh Anderson, of Nasa's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, said in a statement earlier this week: "The portion of Jezero Crater the rover and helicopter are currently exploring has a lot of rugged terrains, which makes communications dropouts more likely."

"The team’s goal is to keep Ingenuity ahead of Perseverance, which occasionally involves temporarily pushing beyond communication limits," Anderson added.

"We're excited to be back in communications range with Ingenuity and receive confirmation of Flight 52."

According to Nasa experts, “Ingenuity covered 1,191 feet (363 meters) of ground on the 139-second-long Flight 52. The main goals of the 4-pound chopper were to reposition the chopper and snap photos for Perseverance's science team.”

The team members after analysing data maintained that Ingenuity remains in good health.

Nasa’s Perseverance Rover and Ingenuity have been in Jezero since February 2021.

The latter quickly achieved its mission objectives with its five-flight campaign to ensure that aerial exploration is feasible on Mars.

Later on, it commenced its extended mission, during which it's serving as a scout for Perseverance.

Scientists and operators make contact with Ingenuity through SUV-sized Perseverance, which was reestablished on June 28 as the rover disappeared behind a hill from the helicopter's perspective.

Earlier in April, the operators became extremely worried when communication with the chopper was cut off for six days.