The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) team is currently attending the 8th International Mars Science Conference taking place on the Caltech campus in Pasadena. It was exciting to see that two out of the first three speakers at the conference were colleagues from the USGS Astrogeology team. Ken Tanaka, the first speaker, presented the new global geologic map of Mars that was distributed to all registered attendees. Ken led the mapping effort that resulted in the publication of this map, and received a round of applause for his work.
While scientists are busy attending the conference, updates on MSL operations are still being monitored. Recent project reports indicate that the rover traveled over 82 meters last weekend, with a more limited drive planned for Sol 689 due to rough terrain ahead. Dates for upcoming rover activities outlined in the reports are subject to change based on factors such as the Martian environment, communication relays, and rover status. Despite these challenges, the team continues to work diligently to collect valuable data and explore Mars.
Oleg Abramov, another member of MSL team shared his findings from detailed modeling of impact bombardment on early Mars history, suggesting that the planet’s crust may not have been completely melted during that time potentially leaving habitable environments. The conference has been keeping scientists busy with their presentations and discussions about their latest research findings while keeping a close eye on MSL operations.