As the lead for the Opportunity Microscopic Imager and engineering cameras (Hazcams and Navcams), I have been closely following the MSL planning. It’s a unique challenge to operate two rovers on Mars simultaneously, but it’s a good problem to have. The MSL weekend plan includes conducting more MAHLI imaging of the rover wheels and a short drive to a promising location for dumping and examining the drill sample. If all goes smoothly, most of next week will be dedicated to upgrading the rover flight software.
With many MSL scientists attending the fall meeting of the American Geophysical Union in San Francisco next week, the timing is ideal for the software upgrade. This upgrade will require suspending scientific observations but will ultimately enhance the rover’s capabilities. During the meeting, there will be a press briefing to highlight recent science findings and discoveries.