As the SOWG Chair for the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) on Sol 13, I was tasked with planning out activities for the day. With the tactical planning team improving in efficiency, we were able to include more new scientific observations in our plan. The science team was particularly strong, led by Steve Squyres, an expert in geology and the Principal Investigator for the Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity.
During the planning process, we faced a challenge when we learned that the SAM instrument checkout planned for Sol 14 would need to be split into two Sols. This was due to the need to analyze the results from the first part on Earth before proceeding with the second part. To avoid wasting an extra sol to complete this, we had to quickly reorganize our plan and fit the first part of checkout in Sol 13. It was a difficult task, but we managed to come up with a new plan and passed it onto the second shift for implementation.
Despite these challenges, having individuals like Steve Squyres on our team made all the difference in putting together a successful plan for Sol 13. The Opportunity mission still operates above us and provides ongoing support and guidance. We are grateful for their expertise as we continue our mission on Mars.
