Curiosity’s recent drive on Sol 1067 was successful and it has returned to Missoula to conduct more targeted science. The rover’s primary objective is to study the Stimson-Pahrump contact in detail and determine the relative timing of some of the observed veins. A packed three-sol plan is ahead, which includes ChemCam analyses. On Sol 1068, ChemCam LIBS will be used to analyze four different “Missoula” targets (Missoula A, B, C, and D) to better understand the chemistry at the contact. Mastcam images will also be taken to document these targets.
On Sol 1070, Curiosity will perform a ChemCam passive observation on the target “Coombs” and a regular ChemCam LIBS observation on the target “Stenerson.” Environmental monitoring activities will also be conducted over the weekend to check the opacity of the atmosphere and search for dust devils. After completing its investigations with ChemCam, Curiosity will resume its drive through Marias Pass on Sol 1070 and capture post-drive images in preparation for science activities next week.
Lauren Edgar, a Research Geologist at the USGS Astrogeology Science Center and a member of the MSL science team, provided this update. Please note that the dates of planned rover activities mentioned in these reports are subject to change due to various factors related to the Martian environment, communication relays, and the rover’s status.
