NASA: Mars rover Ingenuity sets new record

More than a year and a half after its first flight on Mars, the Ingenuity helicopter has set a new record. The four-pound chopper completed its 35th flight on December 3rd and reached a new record altitude of 46 feet. The aerial excursion lasted for 52 seconds and took the helicopter a distance of about 50 feet to reposition it. This was Ingenuity’s first substantial outing since an 18-second hop and hover maneuver on November 22nd to test the helicopter after receiving a major software upgrade that could increase the chopper’s life span.