Must it return to a fixed base for solar recharging or can it fly-hop along a long path, recharging as it goes? If it can’t continue moving in some direction....well, it’s neat but the prospects for discovery seem limited.
But not bad for a first generation Mars ‘copter, eh?
It recharges itself - it has a solar panel that sits atop its helicopter blades.
This version has communication equipment that only talks to the Perseverance Rover, and not to the various satellites orbiting Mars (who in turn, transmit that data back to Earth.
Therefore it has to stay within a certain range of Perseverance, so it can receive its commands and transmit its data (including images) back to JPL on Planet Earth.
I was under the impression it was a proof of concept thing...
I think the ability to scan a large area around and in front of Perseverance is of significant value, plus the proof of concept that it works means all future missions will likely include a drone, maybe even a drone as the primary payload.