On Sol 1399, Curiosity drove about 32 meters closer to a blocky deposit known as “Bimbe.”  We’ve identified several notable blocky deposits in orbital images, and this will be our last chance to fully investigate one of these deposits on the ground to try to determine their origin.  Today’s plan starts with some Mastcam mosaics to characterize laminations in the Murray bedrock, and to document the “Bimbe” region.  We’ll also study “Bimbe” with ChemCam at a target named “Auchab.”  Additionally, the morning science block includes some systematic atmospheric monitoring with Mastcam.  Today’s drive will hopefully put us about about 20 meters closer to the “Bimbe” deposit, and will be followed by post-drive imaging for targeting.  The plan also includes an autonomously-selected ChemCam target.  We’re in late slide sols this week, so it’s been nice getting to start a few hours later in the day…though I’m sure our team members in other parts of the world are ready for sleep!

By Lauren Edgar

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.