1 June 2016
Sol 1359: Cleaning CHIMRA (Collection and Handling for In-Situ Martian Rock Analysis device)
Posted by Ryan Anderson
The remaining Okoruso drill sample was successfully dumped onto the ground on Sol 1358, so MSL is ready for a new drill sample. In preparation, the Sol 1359 plan includes an arm preload test on “Oudam,” the next drill target, and cleaning out CHIMRA with imaging to verify that everything is clean. Before all the arm activities, ChemCam and Mastcam will observe the Okoruso dump pile and a bedrock target named “Otjosondu.” The Left Mastcam will also acquire a 5×2 mosaic of the “Fraktuur Dorp” area and extend the “Hartmann’s Valley” mosaic. Late in the afternoon, when lighting will be better, MAHLI will acquire images of bedrock target “Onguati” and a full suite of images of the dump pile. The APXS will then be placed on the dump pile for an overnight integration. The tactical team did a great job of picking targets and preparing command sequences, so it was an easy day for me as SOWG Chair.
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.
