MISSION UPDATES | October 12, 2020

Sol 2910: Release the 'Groken' (Science)

Written by Fred Calef, Planetary Geologist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Curiosity's arm at work on Mars

In this image taken by Front Hazard Avoidance Camera onboard NASA's Mars rover Curiosity on Sol 2909, the rover is using APXS to look at the Groken's chemistry. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech. Download image ›

Today's odyssey has us "fighting" (aka drilling) the bedrock to release the science at "Groken" which was turned to stone during its battle with the grim monsters "time" and "pressure!" Just before the drilling commences, ChemCam will take a 20x1 horizontal raster and Mastcam will take images of the pre-drill site. Looking towards far off lands and future endeavors up Mount Sharp, a ChemCam RMI 10x1 will expand the already large "Housedon Hill" mosaic that captures various marker beds and stratigraphy. Tune in later this week to hear the siren's call of fresh drill tailings and the mineralogy that will be the treasure for our intrepid Martian adventurer!