The science team quickly sprung into action upon reaching “Hallaig,” a six-meter spot on the clay-bearing unit. Their target was “Broad Cairn,” which promised high levels of potassium (K). To confirm this, the team instructed the rover to use the dust removal tool (DRT) to clean off the area before capturing close-up images with the MAHLI camera. An APXS integration was scheduled at the optimal time of day to ensure data collection of the highest quality.
The science team postponed other observations in order to prioritize the rapid return of results from their investigation at “Broad Cairn.” With anticipation building, they eagerly awaited the findings that could provide insights into the composition and history of this Martian landscape. The success of this mission relied on discovering high potassium levels, offering valuable information about Mars’ geology and potential for supporting life.
