Over the weekend, the rover completed a full slate of activities, including contact science, a MAHLI stereo imaging test, simultaneous ChemCam passive spectral data collection and orbiter data transmission, calibration target observations for both APXS and MAHLI, and a substantial 57-meter drive. The team was thrilled with the productivity and drive progress, but today's planning is constrained by tight power availability.
As Long Term Planner, I worked with the team to carefully prioritize science within our energy limits, while ensuring we're well positioned for the rest of the week. Despite the constraints, the 2-sol plan is still full.
Curiosity will capture Mastcam mosaics to examine local stratigraphy and diagenetic features, and image sandy troughs between bedrock blocks to monitor surface activity. A Navcam mosaic will assess atmospheric dust levels. The science block includes a ChemCam LIBS analysis of the bedrock target "Santa Margarita" and a long-distance RMI mosaic of "Ghost Mountain" to search for possible boxwork structures.
In the workspace, Curiosity will deploy the DRT, APXS, and MAHLI instruments on finely-laminated bedrock at a target named "The Grotto." The team will also collect APXS and MAHLI data from a large nodule called "Torrey Pines"-coincidentally, the same name as a location near Earth-based team members who experienced some strong Southern California earthquakes today. All is well, though it certainly added some excitement just before the SOWG meeting. The second sol will focus on driving south and capturing post-drive imaging to support planning on Wednesday.
Phew! Good job, Curiosity-you made it through Monday.
Power was top of mind as we assembled this weekend's plan. Although the science team had many great ideas for observations at our current spot, we had to be strategic to ensure the rover's battery wasn't left too low for Monday's activities. Mars winters always keep us alert. Ultimately, we created a robust plan that includes coordinated MAHLI, APXS, and ChemCam observations of a flat rock dubbed "Iron Mountain."
MAHLI will also experiment with different imaging angles to determine which setups yield the best data for generating 3D surface models. If rocks could feel, I'd imagine Iron Mountain would enjoy its moment in the spotlight-like a celebrity on the red carpet.
Mastcam will support the plan by capturing context images and working with ChemCam's RMI to image "Ghost Mountain," while also photographing targets "Redondo Flat," "Silverwood Sanctuary," and the frequently imaged "Gould Mesa." Rounding out the weekend's work, Navcam, REMS, and DAN will collect environmental data. One additional hybrid science-engineering observation will occur as ChemCam gathers passive spectral data from its calibration target during a comm pass-a test that, if successful, could enhance our power efficiency in future planning.
This weekend also marks a soliday, meaning we're working with a 2-sol plan instead of the usual 3 as Earth and Mars time zones realign. I'm eager to see how far Curiosity travels next week.
Related Links
Curiosity Mars Rover
Mars News and Information at MarsDaily.com
Lunar Dreams and more
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