Our rover has been successfully navigating autonomously, allowing us to drive longer distances into new terrain. Today, we are confident enough in the view ahead to plan a drive of over 100 meters, with the last approximately 45 meters using AutoNav. However, this leaves little time for targeted scientific observations, limiting our ability to study intriguing features along the way.
The decision to prioritize driving distance over scientific observations was expected once AutoNav was successfully tested on the B computer. While some scientists are eager to spend more time studying these features, Gale crater was chosen as the landing site for the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) because it offered the opportunity to investigate the geologic history preserved in the layers of Aeolis Mons. The ultimate scientific objective is to reach the base of the mountain with minimal delays and prioritize studying its intriguing geological layers.