The remaining Okoruso drill sample was successfully dumped onto the ground on Sol 1358, so MSL is ready for a new drill sample.
The remaining Okoruso drill sample was successfully dumped onto the ground on Sol 1358,
so MSL is ready for a new drill sample. In preparation, the Sol 1359
plan includes an arm preload test on "Oudam," the next drill target, and
cleaning out CHIMRA with imaging to verify that everything is clean.
Before all the arm activities, ChemCam and Mastcam will observe the
Okoruso dump pile and a bedrock target named "Otjosondu." The Left
Mastcam will also acquire a 5x2 mosaic of the "Fraktuur Dorp" area and
extend the "Hartmann's Valley" mosaic. Late in the afternoon, when
lighting will be better, MAHLI will acquire images of bedrock target
"Onguati" and a full suite of images of the dump pile. The APXS will
then be placed on the dump pile for an overnight integration. The
tactical team did a great job of picking targets and preparing command
sequences, so it was an easy day for me as SOWG Chair.
by Ken Herkenhoff 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 Ken Herkenhoff, Planetary Geologist at USGS Astrogeology Science Center
