Scientists successfully give InSight Mars lander Power Boost to continue mission in Aphelion NASA's Ingenuity Mars Helicopter has pushed its limits to successfully complete its ninth and "most challenging" flight since it first took off on the Red Planet, US space agency NASA has said. The mini helicopter flew to the Red Planet on February 18, while being attached to the belly of NASA's Perseverance rover. It was now airborne for 166.4 seconds -- 2.8 minutes -- and flew at a speed of 5 metres per second, NASA said. "#MarsHelicopter pushes its Red Planet limits. The rotorcraft completed its 9th and most challenging flight yet, flying for 166.4 seconds at a speed of 5 m/s," NASA tweeted.