Spirit Back At Work Sampling Columbian Rocks

MARSDAILY

This image, taken by the panoramic camera on NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit during the rover's trek through the "Columbia Hills" at "Gusev Crater," shows the horizontally layered rock dubbed "Tetl." Scientists hope to investigate this rock in more detail, aiming to determine whether the rock's layering is volcanic or sedimentary in origin. If for some reason this particular rock is not favorably positioned for grinding and examination by the toolbox of instruments on the rover's robotic arm, Spirit will be within short reach of another similar rock, dubbed "Coba."

Pasadena CA (JPL) Oct 12, 2004
After working on Mars for three times as long as its primary three-month mission, Spirit is healthy and currently investigating the rock called "Tetl" in the "Columbia Hills." In the language of the ancient Mayans, tetl means stone.

On sol 263, Spirit successfully drove approximately 7 meters (23 feet) and acquired images to build a digital elevation map of the hills. This put Spirit on the south side of a 2-meter-diameter (7-foot-diameter) depression, with Tetl on the opposite side.

On sol 264, Spirit drove about 4 meters (13 feet) around the edge of the depression to keep the rover's solar panels (which are the rover's main power source) tilted toward the Sun.

Since the Sun moves low across the northern sky over Gusev Crater at this time of year, rover planners are attempting to keep the solar panels tilted toward the north.

The drive included use of the five-wheel mode to minimize use of the sticky right front wheel, which inefficiently pulls too much power when it is activated.

Spirit also gathered additional about potential science targets, using the miniature thermal emission spectrometer and panoramic camera at the end of the rover's robotic arm.

On sol 265, Spirit attempted to approach Tetl, but the drive ended early because the flight software detected that a steering brake control function did not work. Remote sensing data was still acquired.

On sol 266, with an ongoing investigation of the steering anomaly, no further driving was planned. Several targets in front of the rover were selected for the alpha particle X-ray spectrometer and Moessbauer spectrometer. Spirit completed alpha particle X-ray spectrometer readings on two different locations.

On sol 267, Spirit successfully acquired remote sensing data and moved its robotic arm to put the alpha particle X-ray spectrometer at a third position during the day and a fourth position overnight.

On sol 268, Spirit acquired additional remote sensing data and performed a tool change to the Moessbauer spectrometer, then started an overnight integration with that instrument.

On sol 269, Spirit continued the Moessbauer spectrometer integration and performed a diagnostic test on the steering brake. The test indicated that there was no problem with the commanding process at that time.

On sol 270, Spirit acquired remote sensing data, stowed its arm, and ran another steering diagnostic test. The cause of the steering brake issue has not been identified, but tests indicate that electronics related to the brake function and the overall steering capabilities of Spirit are healthy. Engineers are proceeding with normal operations, including mobility.

On sol 271, which ended on Oct. 7, Pacific Time, Spirit successfully drove approximately 2 meters (6.6 feet). This put Tetl within reach of the robotic arm. After the drive, Spirit used its navigation camera to view the scene from the rover's new location.

Spirit has driven a total of 3,641 meters (about 2.3 miles) since landing nine months ago.

Future plans for Spirit include more intense investigations of Tetl and a 20-meter (66-foot) drive to a target called "Machu Picchu."

MARSDAILY

Popping The Escape Hatch

Moffett Field CA (SPX) Oct 11, 2004
Opportunity may attempt to leave Endurance crater via a route marked as the "Escape Hatch", if scientists and engineers consider it safe after taking a closer look. Before leaving, however, scientists plan to investigate a rock to its right dubbed "Wopmay," measuring 1 meter (3.3 feet) across, as well as other rocks near "Burns Cliff." Scientists are interested in Wopmay because its unusual texture is unlike any others observed so far at Meridiani Planum.

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2016 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement All images and articles appearing on Space Media Network have been edited or digitally altered in some way. Any requests to remove copyright material will be acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner. Any attempt to extort money from Space Media Network will be ignored and reported to Australian Law Enforcement Agencies as a potential case of financial fraud involving the use of a telephonic carriage device or postal service.