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Sol 469-471 Update On Curiosity From USGS Scientist Ken Herkenhoff: Tearing on Wheels


There was some concern about tears in the rover wheels , but today we got the go-ahead to drive, with no restrictions on distance or drive mode. The tears in the wheels were expected based on testing, and the wheels are designed to survive such damage without affecting mobility. We are planning 3 sols today to get the rover through the weekend, so it has been a busy day for me as SOWG Chair. On the first sol, MAHLI imaging of the wheels (to monitor the tearing) will be followed by targeted ChemCam and Mastcam observations. The plan for the second sol is dominated by a long drive, including AutoNav. Then we are planning some untargeted remote science on the third sol.

Written by Ken Herkenhoff, Planetary Geologist at USGS Astrogeology Science Center

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Apr 26, 2024
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