We live in a world of applied science fiction. Smartphones put the body of knowledge of mankind in our hands, voice assistants give us telekinetic powers, machines amplify the power of our muscles, AI amplifies the power of our minds. There is so much amazing technology around us that it’s easy to take it for granted.
On December 17, 1903, Orville Wright grabbed the controls of the Wright Brothers’ DIY flying machine project and flew 120 feet in 12 seconds. This morning, just 117 years, 4 months, 2 days later, NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter just did basically the same thing… on the surface of Mars. This solar-powered helicopter flew to an altitude of about 10 feet and hovered for just under 30 seconds. The red planet is currently 179 million miles from Earth.
Take a moment to reflect on the wonder of this test flight. It is not something we should take for granted. Congrats to NASA and everyone who worked on the project. Imagine what we may achieve 117 years, 4 months, 2 days from today.
Author’s note: This is not a sponsored post. I am the author of this article and it expresses my own opinions. I am not, nor is my company, receiving compensation for it.