Ingenuity helps scientists measure wind speeds on Mars

Using the data collected by the Ingenuity drone, scientists were able to calculate the wind speed on Mars. It turned out to be higher than predicted by existing models.

Martian dust storm (Mars Express photo). Source: ESA/DLR/FU Berlin

Mars is very different from Earth. The fourth planet from the Sun has harsh weather characterized by drastic temperature variations, and its atmosphere is about a hundred times thinner than Earth’s. However, it is capable of raising global dust storms that can completely obscure the surface of Mars from outside observers.

Testing the ability of heavier-than-air vehicles to make controlled flight in the Martian atmosphere was the primary mission of the Ingenuity drone. It successfully managed it. Ingenuity made more than 70 flights between 2021 and 2024. Although the mission’s science payload was very limited, a team of U.S. researchers found a way to use the drone’s data to measure Martian wind speeds. They used Ingenuity for this purpose.

Ingenuity on the surface of Mars. Source: NASA/JPL

Drones create forward thrust by leaning in the direction they need to go. If the vehicle is just hovering vertically, but the wind is blowing, it will start to shift. To counteract drift, the drone will tilt to the wind to maintain its position relative to the ground, with the tilt increasing in strong headwinds. 

Measuring Ingenuity’s tilt was quite easy thanks to the set of engineering sensors, cameras and accelerometers on board. The scientists analyzed the telemetry they transmitted and then calculated wind speeds at different altitudes. 

The results were unexpected, and showed that winds on Mars generally blow harder than expected. Their maximum speeds reached 25 m/s, while theoretical models limited wind speeds to 15 m/s.

This data will be useful to the designers of the next Martian missions involving the use of drones. Scientists also hope to be able to use this method to measure wind speeds on Titan. The Dragonfly drone is scheduled to land on it in 2034 to study the moon’s surface and atmosphere.

According to Phys.org

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