Sols 1191-1193: On the road again

We received the data needed to plan contact science and a drive, and the 3-sol weekend plan is another full one.  I was busy as MAHLI/MARDI uplink lead, planning observations of a couple targets on an outcrop right in front of the rover.  On Sol 1191, MAHLI will acquire full suites of images of "Elizabeth Ray" and "Pomona" before the APXS is placed on Pomona for an afternoon/evening integration.  During the integration, ChemCam and Mastcam will observe bedrock targets "Messum" and "Karoo."  After sunset, the APXS will be placed on Elizabeth Ray for an overnight integration.  Early on Sol 1192, Mastcam will acquire another stereo mosaic of the Namib dune (taking advantage of morning light) and a single image of a ridge named "Paresis."  Later that sol, the rover will drive toward the southwest and acquire the usual post-drive data.  On Sol 1193, ChemCam will acquire calibration data and Navcam will search for clouds.  Finally, early on Sol 1194 (before handing over to the next plan) Navcam and Mastcam will search for morning clouds and dust devils, and measure the amount of dust in the atmosphere by imaging the Sun.

by Ken Herkenhoff

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.