Today, the 2-sol plan for the Curiosity rover on Mars is focused on targeted remote sensing and imaging for upcoming contact science activities. On the first sol, the rover will use ChemCam and Mastcam to observe targets named “Uniab” and “Tumas,” as well as capturing images of the surrounding area in preparation for potential contact science activities. The second sol will begin with early morning atmospheric monitoring observations before conducting CheMin analysis on a sample collected at Namib dune.
Afterwards, Curiosity will gather a long-distance RMI (Remote Micro Imager) mosaic of Peace Vallis, a nearby feature, and continue monitoring atmospheric opacity while observing the sky above Mount Sharp. This comprehensive plan aims to provide valuable data for the ongoing study of Martian geology and atmospheric conditions.
Curiosity is currently situated on the east side of the Naukluft Plateau where researchers are studying local stratigraphy and diagenetic features. The rover’s mission on Mars has been successful in providing valuable data that has helped scientists understand more about the red planet’s past and present conditions.