Mars: Curiosity to InSight – “Please Would You Be My Neighbor?”

 

NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover is now performing Sol 2245 duties.

Reviews Susanne Schwenzer, a planetary geologist on the Open College, Milton Keynes, in the UK: “Curiosity woke as much as Mr. Rogers ‘Please would you be my neighbor’ this morning to welcome InSight…after which obtained very busy on the Highfield drill website.

“Each plan has its persona, and the upcoming one is that of a gymnast – a minimum of so far as the arm is anxious,” Schwenzer stories.

Arm motion

That plan requires Curiosity to dump the Highfield pattern, which requires a number of Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) appears and use of the Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer (APXS). However the plan additionally requires swinging the arm out of the best way so different devices can have their unobscured take a look at the dump pile, Schwenzer provides.

“After all, the principle exercise is to take a look at the Highfield dump pile with all devices obtainable,” Schwenzer notes. “APXS will get the chemistry, and Navcam, Mastcam and MAHLI may have a detailed look.”

As well as, a Mastcam multispectral and a Chemistry and Digicam (ChemCam) passive commentary will add to the data collected from the dump pile.

Shiny meteorite?

“Not solely the arm, but additionally ChemCam may be very busy these two sols, as along with the dump pile actions, it would take a look at 4 samples, two of that are re-targeted,” Schwenzer explains.

“One of many samples that we attempt to get a greater take a look at is ‘Little Colonsay.’ The planning staff thinks it is likely to be a meteorite as a result of it’s so shiny. However appears can deceive, and proof will solely come from the chemistry,” Schwenzer factors out.

“Sadly, the small goal was missed within the earlier try, and with the data from that, Curiosity will attempt once more,” Schwenzer says.

Verify its nature

One other very small goal is the goal “Flanders Moss,” which exhibits an fascinating, darkish coloured coating, for which chemistry is required to substantiate its nature. Two extra targets, “Forres” and “Eildon,” are so as to add to the database of the gray Jura bedrock earlier than the robotic leaves the Highfield website subsequent week.

 

“Past ChemCam, Curiosity will doc the workspace with a Mastcam M34 mosaic, and naturally doc all ChemCam targets, Schwenzer provides. “Lastly, the environmental observations proceed with a crater rim extinction, Mastcam Tau and dirt satan monitoring. …a busy two sols on Mars!”