Targeting the Kuiseb Outcrop: Rover’s Sol 1249 Drive Brings New Discoveries on Mars

The Sol 1249 drive was a success and placed the rover in an area with numerous bright bedrock outcrops. A particular large outcrop, partially visible in the image above, has been selected as the target for dumping a sand sample and conducting examinations this weekend. Following observations with ChemCam and Mastcam of the bedrock target named “Kuiseb,” the rover will reverse its position slightly to the left and then move forward to place the large outcrop within reach of its robotic arm.

After the drive, a series of images will be taken of the workspace to aid in selecting dump and contact science targets for the following day. These activities are being planned by Ken Herkenhoff and are subject to change based on various factors related to the Martian environment, communication connections, and the status of the rover.