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FIDO
Overview
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sol 1-6
sol 7
sol 8
sol 9
sol 10
sol 11
sol 12
sol 13
sol 14
sol 15
sol 16
sol 17
sol 18
sol 19
sol 20
sol 21
sol 22
sol 23
sol 24
sol 25
sol 26

SOL:   1-6    7    8    9    10    11    12    13    14    15    16    17    18    19    20    21    22    23    24    25    26   


Pancam Mosaic

View a larger image (1.3 MB) or learn about other sol 26 images.

Sol 26 was the last day of the FIDO mission. This 18-image mosaic (6 each in three colors) of a near-field outcrop and far-field canyon wall captures many of the important results of FIDO's expedition: the layered rocks indicate the action of ancient water; the cobbly surface, light-toned soils and small channels indicate recent or contemporary water flow, and the puffy white clouds in the sky indicate the potential for precipitation. Even in its rocks and geology, the Earth reveals itself to be a world dominated by the presence and abundance of water.

Mike Malin

Mike Malin

Mike Malin of Malin Space Science Systems explains, "Geologists learn to read many signs of past processes from the configuration of the surface. For example, examination of the distant canyon wall shows a steep upper slope and a more gentle lower slope. The lower slope consists of debris shed from the upper slope. The position of the transition between steep and shallower slope is related to the rates at which the steep part is eroding to supply material to the shallower part, and the rate at which materials in the lower slope are themselves broken down and transported away from the cliff by water or wind. The slopes we see are very characteristic of semi-arid environments: the erosion of the upper slope occurs more-or-less randomly by landslides; the removal of debris from the lower slope is equally random, and occurs on average less often then a collapse, leading to net accumulation of the lower slope."

John Callas

John Callas, Science Manager for the Mars Exploration Rover project expressed his appreciation and admiration for the team on an outstanding job during the FIDO Field Test. "The test by all measures was a great success. This success is a direct result of the contribution made by each of the FIDO team members. Everyone demonstrated commitment, talent, professionalism and enthusiasm to the task. It gives me great confidence that we can do this at Mars."



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Last Updated: 18 August 2002

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