Curiosity successfully completed a 19-meter drive on Sol 1067 and is now back in Missoula for further targeted science research. The main goal of the three-sol plan is to perform a detailed study of the Stimson-Pahrump contact and determine the relative timing of the veins observed there. ChemCam analyses will be the focus of this mission, with four different “Missoula” targets (Missoula A, B, C, and D) being analyzed on Sol 1068 using ChemCam LIBS. Several Mastcam images will also be taken to document these targets. On Sol 1070, a ChemCam passive observation will be made on the target “Coombs,” and a regular ChemCam LIBS observation on the target “Stenerson.” Environmental monitoring activities will also be conducted over the weekend to assess the atmosphere’s opacity and search for dust devils.
According to Lauren Edgar, a Research Geologist at the USGS Astrogeology Science Center and a member of the MSL science team, Curiosity will resume driving through Marias Pass on Sol 1070 and take post-drive imaging to prepare for science activities next week. It’s important to note that planned rover activities are subject to change based on factors such as the Martian environment, communication relays, and rover status.
