The Curiosity rover has resumed its regularly scheduled climb up Mount Sharp after completing a brief detour to study an erosional surface in Gale Crater, according to a missions operations update. The rover spent two planning cycles examining a unique geologic feature above an erosional contact before driving 100 feet to a new location for further investigation.
During the initial phase, the rover's instruments documented multiple bedrock targets. The MAHLI camera reacquired images for a mosaic of a feature called "Tres Morros," while the APXS instrument took measurements of brushed bedrock targets "El Motacusal" and the as-is target "Alto de Carmen." ChemCam conducted laser spectroscopy on bedrock targets "Lagunas Bravas" and "Parququcha." Mastcam recorded mosaics of an erosional ridge dubbed "Los Toldos" and another exposure named "Los Ladrillos."
At its second location, Curiosity performed contact science on bedrock targets "Mamorecillo" and "Aguas Claras," with MAHLI and APXS unable to deploy the robotic arm on some targets due to the rover's position on a small rock. ChemCam conducted laser spectroscopy on a dark-toned resistant layer target called "Yura Kasa," with Mastcam providing documentation of the stratigraphy above the erosional contact.
The rover conducted extensive environmental monitoring activities to watch for dust storms as seasonal conditions change. Mastcam gathered atmospheric observations to measure optical depth, while Navcam conducted dust-devil surveys, zenith observations, and cloud monitoring. Curiosity is scheduled to drive 150 feet southwest to continue its ascent of Mount Sharp.
