This week was a busy one for Curiosity as we wrapped up the Highfield drill site campaign. As the Surface Properties Scientist (SPS) on shift, there were no new activities that required analysis from my end. However, the science team was hard at work filling a pair of science activity blocks with a range of observations, from targeted imaging with Mastcam to compositional analysis with the ChemCam instrument. They were focused on closing out any dangling observations left over from previous plans.
On the first planned sol, the rover will be utilizing the MAHLI instrument to take high resolution microscopic images of the Highfield “dump pile” and eventually placing the APXS instrument on it. These analyses are crucial in providing us with information on the inner parts of the rock, rather than just the weathered exterior. Additionally, some long-distance imaging was planned to assist in planning the route up Mt. Sharp for the upcoming months and years.
Overall, the team was kept busy with a variety of tasks and analyses this week. Despite no new activities requiring SPS analysis, the focus was on completing the Highfield drill site campaign and preparing for future exploration missions. The observations made during this time will provide valuable insights into the composition and structure of the rocks in the area, helping to guide Curiosity’s path as it continues its journey on Mars.