On Sol 2658, the mission on Sol 2657 was successful in providing new bedrock exposures for exploration. The main objective for the day is to gather quality chemical and remote sensing data in this area before moving uphill to the south.
A plan for a “touch-and-go” sol has been developed, which includes several steps. First, an APXS integration will be conducted on a bedrock slab known as “Marchmont.” This will be followed by MAHLI capturing images of Marchmont and the arm being repositioned for ChemCam observations of Marchmont and “Inverness Shire,” a darker block on the bedrock surface. Additionally, the Right Mastcam will take additional images of ChemCam targets and “Whitelaw Moss,” another section of bedrock. Mastcam will also create a 13×3 stereo mosaic of the west side of Tower Butte to examine its sedimentary structures.
Once a 23-meter drive is completed, ChemCam will utilize AEGIS to autonomously select a bedrock target at the new location. To end the day, MARDI will capture an image during twilight. The tactical planning team executed the plan successfully, resulting in a smooth day for the SOWG Chair.