Sols 3092-3093: Preparing to Drill!

<!-- wp:image {"background": {"contentType": "image", "id": 358181, "url": "https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/8920_blog-04-17-768.jpg", "alt": "Parts of the rover are visible in this view of Mars", "caption": "", "zoom": 0, "fit": "fit", "parallax": "no", "focalPoint": {"x": ".50", "y": ".50"}}, "image_align": "wide", "migrated": true} -->

Curiosity is ready to begin the drilling campaign on the "Bardou" drill target on top of "Mont Mercou!" The first day of this weekend's plan will consist of acquiring passive spectra on this drill target as well as additional context imaging for future targeting efforts. Later in the afternoon, Curiosity will deploy her arm to maneuver MAHLI into position for imaging. On the following sol, Curiosity will continue imaging her surroundings as well as a ChemCam calibration target, followed by several rounds of environmental imaging using both the Navcam and Mastcam instruments. These environmental observations will occur midday, in the evening, and in the early morning hours of the following sol before handing the plan over to the next planning phase. Stay tuned for some additional breathtaking images from this beautiful vantage point, as well as data from the next drill target on Mars!

Written by Mark Salvatore, Planetary Geologist at University of Michigan