Science
Curiosity resumes Mount Sharp ascent after investigating erosional contact on Mars
NASA's rover concluded a brief geological detour and carried out atmospheric monitoring for dust storms as it prepared for a 47-meter southwest drive.
The short version
- NASA's Curiosity rover completed investigations of an erosional surface feature and resumed its ascent up Mount Sharp in Gale Crater.
- Operations during Sols 4982 through 4987 combined bedrock spectroscopy, high-resolution imaging, and environmental surveys for late-season dust storms.
- The rover navigated a 30-meter drive where restricted arm placement limited some contact tools, before planning an additional 47-meter trek southwest.
Key facts
- Curiosity resumed its climb of Mount Sharp after detouring to analyze bedrock formations above an erosional supersurface contact.[NASA News]
- The science team utilized MAHLI, APXS, and ChemCam to acquire close-up imaging and geochemical spectra on bedrock targets including 'El Motacusal', 'Alto de Carmen', 'Lagunas Bravas', and 'Parququcha'.[NASA News]
- After a 30-meter drive, Curiosity's left-front wheel rested on a small rock, prompting operators to restrict certain robotic arm actions like brush clearing to prevent slipping while still executing contact science.[NASA News]
- Instruments including Navcam, Mastcam, and APXS conducted atmospheric optical depth measurements and dust-devil surveys to monitor potential late-season dust storms as Gale Crater transitions to autumn.[NASA News]
- The rover's schedule outlined an upcoming 47-meter drive toward the southwest to continue ascending the mountain.[NASA News]