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Sol 717 Update on Curiosity from USGS Scientist Ryan Anderson: Vantage Point


The sol 714 drive was successful and the rover traveled 37.5 meters to the vantage point we were

aiming for. For the Sol 717 plan, we’re planning to drive the rover back to the entrance of Hidden Valley

to investigate possible drilling locations. Before the drive there will also be a Mastcam observation of

the entrance to Amargosa Valley. Science-wise, the sol 717 plan has ChemCam and Mastcam images of

the target Pogonip, a ChemCam LIBS analysis of a target called Greenwater, and Mastcam stereo of the

Greenwater region. We also have a ChemCam blind observation after the drive, along with other routine

measurements.


Dates of planned rover activities described in these reports are subject to change due to a variety of factors related to the Martian environment, communication relays and rover status.

Written by Ryan Anderson, Planetary Geologist at USGS Astrogeology Science Center