Today, I was on duty as the GSTL once again, and it was an exciting day as we prepared to drill a new sample on Mars. The plan for the day not only involved the main drill activities, but also included several targeted science blocks. These science blocks were intended to help characterize the drill location and search for the next potential drill site on unaltered Stimson bedrock.
On the second sol of our mission, the science block consisted of Mastcam multispectral characterization of the drill hole, followed by several Mastcam mosaics. The color information provided by Mastcam proved to be extremely useful in distinguishing between altered and unaltered bedrock. Additionally, a small mosaic was planned to assess a fracture that intersected an impact crater. Following this, we planned to shoot several ChemCam targets to assess the block we were drilling into, as well as potential sites for future drilling.
The science block on the second sol also included an additional target to assess the unaltered Stimson bedrock. With all these activities planned, we were hopeful for a successful drilling campaign.