Adapting to Unexpected Changes: Mars Rover Mission Updates

This weekend, the rover’s planned activities were successfully executed, and it is now in an optimal position to begin a comprehensive campaign of wheel imaging. Initially, a short drive was scheduled for Sol 512 to adjust the rover’s position for wheel imaging. However, upon reviewing the data, we discovered that the drive was unnecessary, allowing us more time for conducting contact science activities.

This unexpected change in plans required quick adjustments from the Science Theme Groups and myself as the SOWG Chair. We had to quickly rearrange our tasks and prepare for the new challenges ahead. As we worked to make these changes, we took advantage of the additional time to add an extra APXS/MAHLI target for conducting contact science.

One of the targets we added was named “Kodak,” and we integrated an overnight APXS on this target. With planning being unrestricted this week, we had to begin earlier than usual due to the timing of the uplink. Our planning session began at 6:00 Pacific time to ensure that all necessary tasks were completed efficiently.

Overall, despite the unexpected changes in our plans, we were able to adapt quickly and execute our tasks with great success. The rover is now well-positioned to continue its mission, and we look forward to what discoveries await us in the weeks ahead.