Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) successfully completed its Sol 26 drive, and the resulting images revealed fascinating outcrops in front of the rover. The main focus of Sol 27 is to collect the first samples of Mars’ atmosphere using the SAM instrument. However, this leaves little time for other tasks. With ChemCam back online, the top priority is to obtain better observations of its calibration target.
Initially, 77 minutes were allocated for this task, but when a new outcrop target was discovered, the science team requested additional time to take pictures and use ChemCam’s laser on it. Steve Squyres, the Mineralogy Science Theme Group Lead for the day, approached Pauline Hwang, the Tactical Uplink Lead, to request an extra 40 minutes. Pauline, who has previously worked on Mars Exploration Rovers, approved the request and included Mastcam and ChemCam observations of the outcrop in the plan to be sent to MSL.
Although not scheduled for a tactical role that day, I spent most of my time at JPL working on various tasks. I processed new MARDI images to determine optimal compression levels for geologic interpretation and reviewed older ChemCam RMI images taken in the MSL testbed to experiment with image compression techniques. These analyses are essential in maximizing the use of data received from MSL via Mars orbiters. By completing these tasks promptly, we can ensure efficient data utilization in future operations.
The excitement of MSL mission operations drew me to JPL that day despite not being scheduled for a tactical role. It allowed me to catch up on various tasks and stay updated with ongoing operations at MSL.
In summary, while Sol 26 drive was successful and revealed interesting outcrops in front of the rover, Sol 27’s focus is primarily on collecting samples from Mars’ atmosphere using SAM instrument leaving little time for additional tasks.
However, with ChemCam back online and a new outcrop target discovered by scientists; Steve Squyres approached Pauline Hwang to request additional time for scientific observations.
Pauline Hwang approved an additional 40 minutes for scientific team after reviewing their proposal.
Mastcam and ChemCam observations were then included in plan sent to MSL.
Aside from this mission role workday at JPL allowed me to catch up on various tasks including processing new MARDI images and reviewing older ChemCam RMI images taken in testbed which are crucial in maximizing data received from Mars orbiters via analysis.
