The shortest flight Ingenuity has flown measured 0.05 meters (approximately 0.16 feet). This historic flight was its very first, designated Flight 1, and took place on April 19, 2021, at 07:34 UTC (Mars Sol 58).
This initial flight was a critical test of the helicopter's ability to achieve controlled, powered flight in the thin Martian atmosphere. Ingenuity hovered for about 30 seconds before landing, successfully proving the technology.
Here's a breakdown of Ingenuity's initial flights, including the shortest one:
| # | Date (UTC) | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 19, 2021 at 07:34 | 0.05 m (0.16 ft) | First flight, a brief hover. |
| 2 | April 22, 2021 at 09:32 | 4 m (13 ft) Roundtrip | First horizontal movement. |
| 3 | April 25, 2021 at 11:31 | 99.97 m (328.0 ft) Roundtrip | Longer distance flight. |
Following these initial technology demonstration flights, Ingenuity entered an operational demonstration phase, often referred to as the "Transition Phase," continuing to push the boundaries of aerial exploration on Mars. Each flight, whether a short hover or a longer traverse, contributed invaluable data to future Martian aerial missions.
