Mars Rover Successfully Completes Sol 1249 Drive, Prepares to Examine New Bedrock Target for Chemical Analysis

The rover successfully completed Sol 1249 drive, placing it in an area with multiple bright bedrock outcrops. Among these outcrops, a large one located on the left side of the image above was chosen as the target for dumping a sand sample and further examination over the weekend.

Before conducting ChemCam and Mastcam observations of the bedrock target named “Kuiseb,” the rover will back up, turn slightly to the left, and then drive forward to position the large outcrop within reach of its robotic arm. Once in place, a series of images will be taken to assist in selecting dump and contact science targets for the following day.

It’s worth noting that the dates of planned rover activities mentioned in these reports are subject to change due to various factors such as those related to the Martian environment, communication relays, and the status of the rover itself. By Ken Herkenhoff.