With the successful execution of the last of the MSL arm checkout activities , the characterization phase is complete! Many first-time activities still lie ahead (like drilling, scooping, and delivering samples to themineralogy and orga
With the successful execution of the last of the MSL arm checkout
activities , the characterization phase is complete! Many first-time activities still lie ahead (like drilling, scooping, and delivering samples to the
mineralogy and organic chemistry instruments), but the major capabilities
of the rover have been demonstrated. So after spending over a week in the
same place to complete the characterization, the Sol 38 plan included a
32-meter drive toward the east. The near-term goal is "Glenelg," still a
few hundred meters away
few hundred meters away . Images taken from orbit show that Glenelg is at the junction of 3 different
terrain types, the brightest of which may be ancient lakebed sediments. It
will take several sols to get to Glenelg, and we are hoping that the
driving goes well.
Written by Ken Herkenhoff, Planetary Geologist at USGS Astrogeology Science Center
