NASA's Mars helicopter, Ingenuity, goes silent during 72nd flight

NASA's Ingenuity Mars helicopter has encountered communication issues during its 72nd flight, prompting mission specialists to analyze data and devise a plan to reestablish contact.

The small helicopter, which exceeded its mission goals by flying more than 20 times in its first year, encountered the issue during a routine "quick pop-up" flight to an altitude of about 40 feet. NASA is analyzing available data to determine the cause and explore options for reconnecting with the groundbreaking helicopter.

Ingenuity is the first aircraft to take flight from the surface of Mars.