[chrishas35]

Helicopter requires rover to be near by as means of communications as helicopter itself can not directly communicate. Thus, it originally had a limited time as the rover needs to move on to other activities.

[phire]

But it's a Helicopter.

Whenever the rover moves on, the helicopter can move to a new landing spot within range.

[chrishas35]

Yes, that is the plan now. It was not the original because…we’ve never flown on another planet before. It was successful so they are changing the parameters after learning more. SCIENCE!

[amelius]

How far can it fly on one charge?

[guidedlight]

I can definitely envisage future rover missions having a helipad, of sorts.

It would also allow the helicopter to charge directly from the rover, rather than from a clumsy solar panel.

[EE84M3i]

Couldn't this increase the chance of a collision though?