Photo credit: science.nasa.gov

Mars Rover Plans Science Activities Amid Challenges

Posted Date: Friday, April 18, 2025

Today, as the operations lead for the Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer (APXS), there was an anticipation for conducting a compositional analysis after performing a brushing action on a bedrock block situated in front of the rover. However, conditions were not optimal, and it became evident that the rover was positioned on unstable ground, preventing the safe deployment of the arm to utilize both APXS and the Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI). On the upside, this limitation allowed us to conserve energy, which will be essential for a planned week filled with scientific exploration as we navigate towards the next high-priority geological feature – the intriguing “boxwork” formations.

The boxwork formations, characterized by large, resistant ridges identified from orbit, are thought to result from processes such as fracturing, fluid dynamics, and alteration within the sulfate layer we are currently traversing. We aim to photograph these formations to better understand their complex geological context.

Even without arm activities today, our agenda for the 3-sol weekend remains packed with fascinating scientific observations. The ChemCam will engage its laser on two distinct rock targets named “Santa Ynez” and “Cahuilla,” and documentation through Mastcam imagery will accompany these analyses. Each target is located on separate bedrock sections, with “Cahuilla” focusing on a thin, resistant layer of rock. Additionally, ChemCam’s remote imaging will create mosaics of the “Texoli” butte and an intriguing feature known as “Torote Bowl.” Mastcam will also document mosaics of an apparent angular contact at the “San Gabriel River” site and surrounding sand troughs scattered throughout this region. Moreover, a photographic record will be taken of a small, grey float pebble dubbed “Piru Creek.”

The environmental science team has managed to organize several activities to resume their regular assessments, which had recently faced interruptions due to power limitations. Planned observations include multiple line-of-sight recordings using Navcam, two suprahorizon movies, a zenith movie, and a comprehensive 360-degree sky survey, along with a dedicated sky survey via Mastcam. Furthermore, we will conduct coordinated ChemCam passive sky observations and APXS measurements of the Martian atmosphere.

Looking ahead, we have scheduled a drive of approximately 19 meters through the challenging terrain, which we hope will enable us to conduct arm-related activities (APXS and MAHLI) in our newly established workspace next week. This plan also includes standard observations from the Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD), Dynamic Albedo of Neutrons (DAN), and the Rover Environmental Monitoring Station (REMS), along with two MARDI images to document the terrain beneath the rover in both current and upcoming operational zones.

Source
science.nasa.gov