Curiosity Completes 19-Mile Drive on Sol 1067, Returning to Missoula for Further Science Studies

Curiosity has successfully completed a 19-mile drive on Sol 1067, returning to Missoula for further targeted science. The primary objective is to conduct a comprehensive study of the Stimson-Pahrump contact and determine the precise timing of the veins observed there. The three-sol plan is packed with ChemCam analyses, with ChemCam LIBS scheduled to acquire data on four different “Missoula” targets (Missoula A, B, C, and D) on Sol 1068. Several Mastcam images will be taken to document these targets. On Sol 1070, a ChemCam passive observation will be made on the target “Coombs” and a regular ChemCam LIBS observation on the target “Stenerson.” Additionally, environmental monitoring activities will take place over the weekend to assess atmospheric opacity and search for dust devils.

According to Lauren Edgar, a Research Geologist at the USGS Astrogeology Science Center and a member of the MSL science team, this update was provided. It is important to note that planned rover activities are subject to change based on factors such as the Martian environment, communication relays, and rover status.