NASA’s Curiosity rover is currently in its final phase of exploring the unique spiderweb-like boxwork unit on Mars. This phase involves investigating the eastern and southern boundaries of this intriguing terrain. Throughout this week, two multi-day plans were put together to facilitate Curiosity’s exploration.
In the previous plan, Curiosity was positioned at the eastern edge of the boxwork unit, where it examined a bedrock target named “Infiernillo.” This location allowed for brushing the bedrock and conducting in-place measurements using instruments like APXS and MAHLI. Additionally, the ChemCam instrument performed a LIBS chemical measurement on this target and on another nodular-rich piece of bedrock called “Humahuaca.” The MAHLI camera captured images of a pitted vertical rock face known as “Timboy Chaco.” Mastcam color mosaics and ChemCam Remote Micro-Imager (RMI) mosaics were also collected to study the surrounding terrain, including a butte to the south and the geological transition between the boxwork terrain and the adjacent layered, light-toned unit.
A midweek drive brought the rover closer to the eastern edge of the boxwork unit, positioning it for further exploration towards the southern edge. The workspace for Friday’s planning included various bedrock exposures and a dark-toned float rock known as “Thola.” This rock was large enough for in-situ observations using APXS and was targeted for close-up imaging by MAHLI. ChemCam measurements were planned to study its reflectance properties, aiming to determine if it originated from Mars or if it is a meteorite from outer space. Other targets for ChemCam remote chemistry measurements included the smooth bedrock target “Valle Fertil” and the nodular bedrock target “Norte Grande.” Mastcam mosaics were planned to assess sedimentary structures and stratigraphic relationships along the eastern contact of the boxwork unit, as well as observations of smaller troughs in the regolith and other nearby features.
The plan also included a drive towards the southern border of the boxwork unit, approximately 100 meters away. Given the distance, it is likely that multiple drives will be necessary to reach this southern contact point.
Curiosity’s exploration of the spiderweb-like boxwork unit on Mars continues to provide valuable insights into the planet’s geological history and surface composition. Stay tuned for more updates on Curiosity’s discoveries as it delves deeper into the mysteries of the Red Planet.
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