First Controlled Flight on Mars: NOW!

[Tom Rinaldo]

Well, almost now. They are broadcasting the Martian helicopter pre-flight show at this moment. Footage from the hopefully successful flight will arrive from Mars in about ten minutes after traveling many millions of miles to reach our computer screens.

Anyone else watching? Here is the link:
https://www.space.com/mars-helicopter-ingenuity-first-flight-how-to-watch

[soothsayer]

1. Yep I'm watching since 6:15 am ET. Go, Ginny, Go!

&feature=youtu.be

[Maxheader]

14. Really great!

Thanks...

[kentuck]

2. Wow!

How amazing!

[Tom Rinaldo]

3. 2500 RPM! They said earth helicopters work with 400 RPM...

Early indications returning now are positive!

[exboyfil]

7. At 0.376 g

Talk about thin air.

[soothsayer]

4. Nice diverse team! All wearing masks! Woohoo!

[Loki Liesmith]

11. What?

[soothsayer]

12. Sensible mask-wearing socially distanced team that looks like America

[Tom Rinaldo]

13. Team looked like a closer to actual cross section of Americans than once was typical in science

I counted at least three people of color and three women out of about twelve shown at NASA headquarters. The scientist who was giving background commentary to the public was an African American woman. The scientist who delivered celebratory remarks to the assembled team was a female Asian American. All of them sat in a manner respecting social distancing, and all wore masks at all times. The scientist who gave the closing remarks even noted that she was sharing virtual hugs with her team mates since physical ones weren't possible due to Covid.

[SmartVoter22]

5. Totally wicked!

To quote Pixar, that was totally wicked!

[Tom Rinaldo]

6. YES!

She flew! I am so happy for that NASA team (and for all of us too of course)

[Tom Rinaldo]

8. I needed something to make me smile this morning

This did it!

[electric_blue68]

9. W000000t!!!!!! Congratulations NASA, Ingenuity Team!

Soooo exciting, amazing!

I love - each blade is 2 Oz's! And that 2500 RPM !

[jaxexpat]

10. Like watching a child's first steps from a looooong way off.

We have seen wonderful things, my fellow oldsters.

[IrishAfricanAmerican]

15. Awesome!

What a great achievement!

[bearssoapbox]

16. What did the drone/helicopter do when it took off?

It did what all drones do the first time they take off...

It flew into the crotch of the closest being around.

So we can expect an attack by "Marvin" with an "Illudium Q-36 Explosive Space Modulator" at any time.

Hopefully Bugs Bunny is on the ball.

And "Duck Dodger" doesn't try to help.