Sol 506 Update On Curiosity From USGS Scientist Ken Herkenhoff: 10th Anniversary of MER Landings

6 January 2014

The CheMin data processing planned for Sol 505 was deleted from the plan, but SAM made another measurement of the atmosphere that night. The Sol 504 drive went well, and the rover is in a stable position, so a "touch and go" is planned for Sol 506. First, MAHLI images and APXS data will be acquired on a rock named "Oneida" in front of the rover. Then the rover will drive about 26 meters and take the usual post-drive images to allow planning the next drive and new scientific activities. Images of the wheels will be taken both during and after the drive.

I'll be traveling starting tomorrow to a meeting of the MER science team in Maryland, so it will be difficult for me to follow MSL's progress this week. But I'm looking forward to discussing the latest Opportunity results and celebrating the 10th anniversary of the MER landings.