Curiosity’s 2-Sol Plan: Remote Sensing and Imaging for Upcoming Contact Science Activities on Mars

Mars rover Curiosity’s 2-sol plan today includes targeted remote sensing, imaging for upcoming contact science activities, and CheMin analysis of a sample collected at Gobabeb #6. The rover is currently situated on the east side of the Naukluft Plateau, where researchers are studying local stratigraphy and diagenetic features.

On the first sol, the plan includes using ChemCam and Mastcam to observe targets named “Uniab” and “Tumas,” as well as capturing images of the surrounding area to prepare for potential contact science activities in the near future. The second sol will begin with early morning atmospheric monitoring observations before conducting CheMin analysis on a sample collected at Namib dune.

Later in the day, 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 will provide valuable data for the ongoing study of Martian geology and atmospheric conditions.