Overcoming the Challenges of Driving a Giant Robot on Mars: Updates from NASA’s Curiosity Rover

As our one-sol drive plans continue to be straightforward, we are excited to share today’s update. Driving a giant robot on another planet is not an easy feat, but our team is making it happen! Yesterday’s drive covered a little over 60 meters and we are gearing up for another drive in the upcoming sol 1385 plan.

Before the drive, we have a brief science block scheduled. This includes a ChemCam observation of the target “Epembe” and a Mastcam mosaic of “Baynes Mountain” to complete a gap in the 360 mosaic from the previous day. Following these observations, we will embark on a drive spanning about 70 meters, capturing post-drive images along the way.

In addition to these activities, we will also be utilizing AEGIS to conduct a ChemCam observation after the drive and utilizing MAHLI to examine the ground beneath the rover’s wheels. Ryan Anderson, a planetary scientist at the USGS Astrogeology Science Center and a member of the ChemCam team on MSL, provides these updates. Please note that the dates of planned rover activities mentioned in these reports are subject to change based on various factors related to the Martian environment, communication relays, and rover status.