MISSION UPDATES | October 29, 2014

Sol 794-795 Update on Curiosity from USGS Scientist Ryan Anderson: Beautiful Layers

Written by Ryan Anderson, Planetary Geologist at USGS Astrogeology Science Center


The 15.8 meter drive on Sol 792 was successful, bringing
Curiosity right up to the Chinle outcrop, which has some beautiful
layering . In the Sol 794 plan, we have ChemCam observations of four targets
on the outcrop: "Cima," "Sespe," "Aguereberry Point," and "Soledad Pass."
Mastcam will take a picture of Cima, and a high-resolution mosaic of Chinle. After that, Curiosity will drive toward "Whale
Rock," with the goal of getting in range so that ChemCam can zap it. During the
drive we will again take MARDI images beneath the rover as it drives, as well
as mid-drive and post-drive imaging with Mastcam and Navcam. On Sol 795,
ChemCam and Mastcam will do some blind targeting and Navcam will search for
dust devils. Dates of planned rover activities described in these reports are subject to change due to a variety of factors related to the Martian environment, communication relays and rover status.