We have started the long traverse to the base of Mt.
We have started the long traverse to the base of Mt. Sharp (Aeolis Mons), the long-term goal of the mission! It may take a year to get there, depending on how many interesting features we find along the way. The challenge for the science team will be to identify the most important targets along the way, and to study them without delaying drive progress too much. Today we are planning targeted observations, followed by another drive over the weekend.
Written by Ken Herkenhoff, Planetary Geologist at USGS Astrogeology Science Center