Mars Rover MSL Completes Successful Drive; Scientists Plan ‘Touch and Go’ Maneuver for Sol 1344

On Sunday, the Mars rover MSL successfully completed its planned drive. The rover was moved less than 6 meters into position for contact science on rocks broken by the rover wheels. Due to restrictions on planning this week, activities for two Martian days (sols) are being planned. The first sol, Sol 1344, includes a “touch and go” maneuver that requires extra staffing for the Rover Planner team, as both arm activities and a drive are scheduled.

The team had to cram a lot of activities into Sol 1344 in order to complete the drive before the afternoon communication relay with the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO). This restriction is necessary to allow for another drive to be planned on Wednesday. Scientific observations were prioritized to fit into the plan, with a target selected for a ChemCam observation of the rock surface named “Impalila.”

Following the observations, the rover will drive westward in hopes of returning to its Sol 1311 location. Sol 1345 activities will involve routine sky measurements by the ChemCam and Mastcam instruments, as observations cannot be specifically targeted due to the drive scheduled beforehand.

It’s important to note that the dates of planned rover activities described in these reports are subject to change due to various factors related to the Martian environment, communication relays, and rover status.