Curiosity rover resumes routine science and driving as Martian fall approaches
The Curiosity rover is back to its standard science schedule, climbing toward Mount Sharp while monitoring for late-season dust storms in Gale Crater.
Curiosity’s latest weekly plan marks a shift back to its usual science program following a short investigation of an erosional surface in Gale Crater. The rover focused on a distinctive geologic feature above the erosional contact, acquiring high-resolution MAHLI mosaics of the “Tres Morros” target and measuring the composition of bedrock sites like “El Motacusal” and “Alto de Carmen” with APXS after brushing. ChemCam performed LIBS spectroscopy on several rocks and remote micro-imaging of “Mishe Mokwa,” while Mastcam captured mosaics of the “Los Toldos” ridge and the “Los Ladrillos” exposure.
After moving roughly 30 meters, the rover could not safely use its arm on a nearby rock but still analyzed “Mamorecillo” and “Aguas Claras.” Environmental monitoring intensified, with Mastcam, Navcam and APXS gathering dust-optical-depth data and storm-tracking imagery. The team plans a further 47-meter drive southwest to continue climbing Mount Sharp, with more contact science and remote sensing slated for the coming week.
Why it matters
The update shows ongoing Mars exploration and data collection as the planet enters a quieter seasonal period.
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