A Navcam “line-of-sight” picture of the northern rim of Gale Crater, displaying off the spectacular slope that we’re parked at on the Gediz Vallis Ridge. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech. Obtain picture ›
Earth planning date: Wednesday, August 23, 2023
As was talked about on Monday, we determined to forgo our typical drive to suit extra science in whereas we’re nonetheless at our higher Gediz Vallis ridge (uGVr) waypoint. Final Friday’s weblog talked a little bit bit about how Mars appears to have been doing every thing in its energy to cease us from reaching the Gediz Vallis ridge, so now that we’re lastly right here and will not be coming again as soon as we go away, we need to be completely sure that we have collected all the info we need to have earlier than we drive away.
This truth was an early motivator in planning in the present day. Earlier than we may sit down to find out our contact science targets, we needed to resolve the place we wished to drive in the present day. We aren’t fairly prepared to go away the uGVr simply but, so we shortly dominated out the choice of backing down off the ridge and returning to our nominal ascent route. That left the choice between a small “bump” to poke at some close by rocks which can be simply exterior of the vary that may be reached from our present location and an extended drive alongside the aspect of the ridge. Finally, we determined to go for the bump because the longer drive may threat slipping on the sandy terrain that has often brought about us issues over the previous few months.
As a result of we did not drive, we have been nonetheless positioned in a protected place to get (nearly) all of our desired contact science performed. Sadly, upon nearer inspection, the goal that had been pre-selected on Monday for DRT was deemed to be DRT-incompatible. Nonetheless, we have been nonetheless capable of get APXS and MAHLI observations of “Epidaurus” and MAHLI imaging of “Limni Stymfalia.” Each of those targets may even be scrutinized by Mastcam and ChemCam LIBS. As well as, ChemCam RMI will proceed its imaging of Peace Vallis on the north rim of Gale Crater and Mastcam will doc a bedrock goal that was chosen by ChemCam AEGIS over the weekend.
After our brief drive, ENV will get to work with a mixed Zenith Film and Cloud Shadow Film statement to measure the altitude of clouds above Gale, a south-facing Suprahorizon Film, and a 360 diploma mud satan survey. GEO will use Mastcam to picture the realm instantly in entrance of us at our new location to help with planning on Friday, and the rover will use AEGIS to autonomously choose targets for ChemCam LIBS. As at all times, REMS, RAD, and DAN make this an entire plan with their typical suite of routine observations unfold all through.
