1 min read
The second attempt to drill into Quela was successful, but there was a timing issue during sample manipulation in
CHIMRA that resulted in premature halting of the Sol 1465 sequence. So on Sol 1466 we'll pick up where
MSL stopped and sieve the new sample, dump the unsieved fraction,
and drop some of the sieved sample into CheMin. But first, ChemCam
will acquire passive spectra of the Quela drill tailings and use its
laser to measure the chemistry of the wall of the new drill hole
and of bedrock targets "Camaxilo" and "Okakarara." Right Mastcam
images of these targets are also planned. After sunset, MAHLI will use
its LEDs to take images of the drill hole from various angles and of the
CheMin inlet to confirm that the sample was successfully
delivered. Finally, the APXS will be placed over the drill tailings
for an overnight integration.
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