Curiosity is set to embark on a 3-day mission to cover part of the upcoming long weekend. The first day will see the rover gather data using ChemCam and Mastcam on a small patch of sand to determine its composition and morphology. This will be followed by a drive southwest to capture Navcam images in preparation for future targeting. Additionally, a change detection experiment will be conducted to monitor sand movement in a small sandsheet.
On the second day, environmental monitoring activities will take place to assess the composition and opacity of the atmosphere using ChemCam and Mastcam. In the morning of the third day, Navcam will be used to monitor the atmosphere and search for dust devils. The afternoon will see the continuation of the change detection experiment to study ripple movement and acquire another Mastcam mosaic of the dune to our west. Furthermore, ChemCam calibration activities, a Mastcam mosaic of the local bedrock, a clast survey, and a Navcam atmospheric observation will all take place.
Throughout this mission, REMS will conduct observations to assess wind speeds as we monitor the dunes. However, adding to the complexity of this plan is that CheMin will dump “Greenhorn” sample and analyze an empty cell in preparation for upcoming sampling. After a busy schedule over the holiday period, Curiosity is sure to need some rest and recharging before continuing its mission on Mars. Safe travels, Curiosity!
