Today’s update is fairly simple as our plans for driving the rover on Mars are straightforward. Yesterday, we completed a drive that took us just over 60 meters and are now preparing for another drive in the sol 1385 plan. Before our upcoming drive, we will have a short science block that includes a ChemCam observation of the target “Epembe” and a Mastcam mosaic of “Baynes Mountain” to fill in a gap from yesterday’s 360 mosaic. After the drive, we will travel about 70 meters and collect post-drive imaging. Additionally, we will use AEGIS for a ChemCam observation and use MAHLI to look at the ground under the rover’s wheels.
Ryan Anderson, a planetary scientist at the USGS Astrogeology Science Center and a member of the ChemCam team on MSL, provides these updates on rover activities. Please note that the dates of planned rover activities mentioned in these reports are subject to change due to various factors related to the martian environment, communication relays, and the rover’s status.