On May 30, 2023, NASA’s Curiosity rover passed the 30-kilometer mark while driving through challenging terrain on Mars. This is a significant milestone, as only the NASA Opportunity rover has reached this distance so far. Opportunity achieved this feat in June 2011, after over 2,610 sols into its mission, while on its way between Victoria and Endeavour Crater. At Endeavour Crater, Opportunity had driven a marathon on Mars, covering a distance of approximately 42 kilometers.
Driving is particularly difficult for Curiosity and its rover drivers at present. One of the drivers remarked that they would not want to walk through the terrain, let alone drive, but the rover drivers did an excellent job of getting the rover to the next stop and parking it with all wheels safely on the ground so that the arm could be used.
The team is making the best use of the opportunity to investigate target “Cujubim” after using the DRT. There is a three-spot APXS raster on the target, and MAHLI documentation is also being carried out. In addition, MAHLI is looking at the target “Cumbal” to further document the interesting sedimentary structures in the area.
The Remote Micro-Imager (RMI) image above shows some of these interesting features, including sedimentary structures and nodules that will tell a full story of how these rocks formed. Today’s plan includes two more RMIs to look into the distance and discern more sedimentary structures. ChemCam is also keeping busy with laser analysis on two bedrock targets, both with nodules, named “Cariacau” and “Crique Yolande.” There will also be an AEGIS after the drive.
Mastcam has two multispectral observations planned, one on the DRT spot and one on target “Crique Rubin.” Mastcam will also image targets “Cariacau” and “Paleomeu River,” as well as another target in front of the rover, to further document the interesting features in the area. The environmental theme group will conduct regular atmospheric monitoring, and DAN will look for water in the underground. MARDI will take an image after the drive.
The team is raising a glass (or cup) with their favorite beverage to wish the rover well as it navigates all the boulders ahead.
