Exploring the Red Planet: Mars Rover’s One-Sol Drive Plans Keep It Simple and Straightforward

Our rover is continuing to make strides on Mars with our one-sol drive plans remaining simple and straightforward. Although driving a giant robot on another planet is no easy feat, our team is making it happen. Yesterday’s drive covered a little over 60 meters and we are preparing for another drive in the upcoming sol 1385 plan.

Before the drive, we have a brief science block scheduled. This includes a ChemCam observation of the target “Epembe” and a Mastcam mosaic of “Baynes Mountain” to complete a gap in the 360 mosaic from the previous day. Following these observations, we will embark on a drive spanning about 70 meters, capturing post-drive images along the way.

In addition to these activities, we will also be utilizing AEGIS to conduct a ChemCam observation after the drive and utilizing MAHLI to examine the ground beneath the rover’s wheels. Ryan Anderson, a planetary scientist at the USGS Astrogeology Science Center and a member of the ChemCam team on MSL, provides updates on these rover activities. Please note that the dates mentioned in these reports are subject to change based on various factors related to the Martian environment, communication relays, and rover status.