Overcoming Focusing Challenges: Mars Rover Plans Short Drive towards Drilling Target with ChemCam Analysis

Our drive towards “Pink Cliffs” proceeded as planned, and for Sol 864, we will be conducting a short drive, known as a “bump,” towards our drilling target called “Mojave.” Before the drive, the ChemCam instrument will be used to analyze five locations in a line across a possible mineral vein in the rock at a target called “Harrisburg.” This type of observation, referred to as a “raster,” was common before ChemCam experienced focusing problems. However, this will be the first time conducting a 5-point raster since the focusing laser stopped working. Despite the focusing issue, ChemCam is still collecting images and spectra at multiple focus positions per point to ensure quality data is obtained.