Overcoming Restrictions: Mars Rover Completes Successful Drive for Science, Prepares to Return Home

On the weekend, the Mars rover, MSL, was successfully moved into position for contact science on rocks broken by its wheels. The drive was completed successfully despite restrictions on planning this week that have resulted in activities being planned for two Martian days (sols).

On Sol 1344, the team had to cram a lot of activities into order to complete the drive before an afternoon communication relay with the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO). This restriction was necessary to allow for another drive to be planned on Wednesday. Scientific observations were prioritized and a target was selected for a ChemCam observation of the rock surface named “Impalila.”

Following the observations, the rover will drive westward in hopes of returning to its Sol 1311 location. On Sol 1345, routine sky measurements by the ChemCam and Mastcam instruments will be carried out as observations cannot be specifically targeted due to the drive scheduled beforehand.

It is important to note that the dates of planned rover activities described in these reports are subject to change due to various factors related to the Martian environment, communication relays, and rover status.