Successful Touch-and-Go Maneuver on Sol 1344: Mars Rover MSL’s Mission Continues with Planned Activities and Drive Westward

The Mars rover, MSL, completed its planned drive successfully last weekend. Despite restrictions on planning this week, two Martian days (sols) of activities are being planned for the first sol, 1344. This sol involves a “touch and go” maneuver that requires extra staffing for the Rover Planner team as both arm activities and a drive are scheduled.

The team had to cram a lot of activities into Sol 1344 in order to complete the drive before the afternoon communication relay with the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO). Scientific observations were prioritized to fit into the plan, with a target selected for a ChemCam observation of the rock surface named “Impalila.”

Following the observations, the rover will drive westward in hopes of returning to its Sol 1311 location. Sol 1345 activities will involve routine sky measurements by the ChemCam and Mastcam instruments, as observations cannot be specifically targeted due to the drive scheduled beforehand.

It is important to note that the dates of planned rover activities described in these reports are subject to change due to various factors related to the Martian environment, communication relays, and rover status.