ATTHE TIME OF WRITING, NASA's Ingenuity helicopter is expected to make its sixth flight during its "operations demonstration phase',' defined by precision manoeuvring, expanded use of aerial observation and a greater overall risk. The initial "technology demonstration" flights verified operability and a capacity to make ascents, land safely, recharge its batteries and conduct data downloads. The flight envelope for the sixth ascent starts with Ingenuity lifting off to a height of 10 m before heading south-west a distance of 150 m where it will acquire colour images of an area of special interest. From that position it will move 15-20 m to the south for stereo images of sand ripples and outcrops before translating 50 m north-east and landing at a location named Field C.
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