9 October 2016

Sols 1484-1486: Dropping off samples to SAM

Posted by Ryan Anderson

The Curiosity rover made another 40 meters of progress up the flank of Mt. Sharp on Sol 1482, and there were multiple bedrock blocks within reach of the arm for the weekend plan.  A smooth patch on a nearby block was selected for DRT brushing and associated imaging, and named “Serowe.”  The Sol 1484 plan also includes two dropoffs of the latest drill sample to SAM, a full suite of MAHLI images and short APXS measurement of “Tobane” on another bedrock block.  That evening, the APXS will be placed on Serowe for an overnight integration.  Early the next morning, Navcam will search for clouds and dust devils, and Mastcam will measure the amount of dust in the atmosphere.  Later on Sol 1485, the arm will be stowed to allow ChemCam and Mastcam to observe Serowe and Tobane, and the Right Mastcam will acquire a mosaic of laminated bedrock dubbed “Masunga.”  Then another drive is planned, along with the usual post-drive imaging.  AEGIS will be used to select a ChemCam target on Sol 1486, and Mastcam will again measure dust in the atmosphere.  Finally, MSL will sleep in preparation for Monday’s activities.

by Ken Herkenhoff

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.