Sols 1434-1435: Inspecting Wheels and Buttes

Once again our drive went smoothly and we’re planning to drive some more in today’s plan! The Sol 1434 plan starts out with ChemCam observations of the targets “Cubal” and “Soyo”. Mastcam will document those two targets and then continue the effort to study the nearby buttes. The team is really enjoying the spectacular scenery because it means there is a lot of interesting geology on display! In the afternoon on Sol 1434, we will check out the rover’s wheels with MAHLI. On Sol 1435 Curiosity will drive about 65 meters and do the usual post-drive imaging. In the afternoon on Sol 1435 there is a short science block, during which ChemCam will make a calibration measurement. 

by Ryan Anderson

-Ryan is a planetary scientist at the USGS Astrogeology Science Center and a member of the ChemCam team on MSL.

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