On the surface of Mars, the planning day went without a hitch. The science block kicked off with a series of spectroscopic observations using the ChemCam instrument. This versatile tool can operate in both passive and active modes, and today’s plan made use of both. In active mode, the laser was aimed at specific rock targets such as “Coatbridge” and “Pitscurrie,” analyzing the resulting plasmas to determine the spectral characteristics of the local geology. Mastcam images provided context for these measurements.
During the second science block, environmental observations were conducted while REMS monitoring continued. Navcam movies were used to search for dust devils and clouds. These observations are crucial for understanding the environmental conditions on Mars and how they may impact the mission. The team on Mars is committed to collecting as much data as possible to further our understanding of this fascinating red planet.
