Over the weekend, NASA’s Curiosity rover continued its trek around the northern end of Texoli Butte, capturing stunning views of Mars’ ancient landscapes. Steep buttes exposed cross-sections of sedimentary strata, offering a detailed record of past surface processes. The rocky terrain in Curiosity’s workspace revealed beautiful layers and veins that provide invaluable insights into Mars’ geological history.
As the rover took in the Martian panorama, mission scientists were reminded of the incredible nature of their work.
“Sometimes we get so used to our normal routine of rover operations that I almost forget how incredible it is to be exploring ancient sedimentary rocks on another planet,” said a member of the Curiosity team. “Curiosity certainly found a beautiful field site!”
However, exploring Mars has its challenges. The mission team had hoped to extend Curiosity’s drive over the weekend using a guarded driving mode, allowing the rover to navigate autonomously.
Unfortunately, the drive was halted early during the guarded portion. This led to a missed opportunity to assess the terrain around the rover’s wheels fully, meaning Curiosity did not pass the Slip Risk Assessment Process (SRAP) — a key procedure for ensuring the rover’s safety.
As a result, the team could not proceed with contact science, which involves using the rover’s arm-mounted instruments to study rocks up close. Nevertheless, the team quickly pivoted to remote sensing, continuing their science operations with other tools on the rover.
“There will be other chances to use the instruments on the arm in upcoming plans,” said a mission planner.
Today, Curiosity’s two-sol (Martian day) plan balances targeted science and a planned drive. The first sol includes a drive, followed by remote sensing on the second sol. The Geology and Mineralogy Theme Group has outlined a series of activities, including using the rover’s ChemCam and Mastcam instruments to investigate a dark vein in the bedrock.
The team will also capture long-distance images of the Martian landscape, including boxwork structures and a view of Mount Sharp, a central peak within Gale Crater.
The team is also planning several mosaics with Mastcam to study various sedimentary features, including potential climbing ripples, fractures, and additional layers. Curiosity will then drive approximately 50 meters (164 feet) to the southwest, with post-drive imaging planned to prepare for the next set of operations.
Curiosity will focus on untargeted remote sensing on the second sol, including an autonomously selected ChemCam target. Standard environmental monitoring activities will also be conducted, including a dust-devil movie and observations to assess Martian atmospheric conditions.
As the holidays approach, the Curiosity team is already considering upcoming plans. “We’re gearing up to send Curiosity our Christmas wish list later this week and are grateful for the gifts she has already sent us,” said one team member.
The rover’s continued success in exploring Mars’ rugged terrain and uncovering its ancient secrets is truly a gift to the scientific community. It provides a deeper understanding of the Red Planet’s history and potential for past life.
