Revolutionary Drilling and Analysis on Mars: Okoruso Drill Hole and ChemCam Observations.

On Sol 1332, the latest drill hole on Mars was created and named “Okoruso.” The drilling activities went smoothly, and the focus of the weekend plan is to sieve the sample and deliver it to CheMin for analysis. The plan begins with a short science block to capture a ChemCam RMI image of the drill hole and Mastcam stereo imaging of the pre-sieve dump location. Afterward, the “Okoruso” drill sample will be transferred, sieved, and sent to CheMin for analysis overnight.

On the second sol, ChemCam and Mastcam observations will be conducted on the targets “Natas” and “Langental” to explore the variations in chemistry within the stratigraphy. In addition to these observations, ChemCam will also be used to study the drill tailings and a freshly broken rock. These studies aim to provide further insights into Mars’ geology and composition.

On Sol 1334, another science block consisting of ChemCam, Navcam, and Mastcam observations will take place in the morning. This block will monitor the composition and opacity of the atmosphere while searching for clouds. In addition to these observations, ChemCam will also be used to study a freshly broken rock in order to gain more information about Mars’ geological history.