Mars Rover Analysis of Okoruso Sample: A Closer Look at Martian Geology and Potential Signs of Life

Mars rover is currently focused on analyzing a sample collected from a drill hole named “Okoruso” that was created on Sol 1332. The weekend plan for the Mars rover includes several activities to ensure successful analysis of the sample.

On the first day, the team will acquire images of the drill hole using ChemCam RMI and Mastcam, as well as conduct stereo imaging of the pre-sieve dump location. This will provide valuable data on the size and shape of the drill hole, as well as any potential issues with the sample collection process.

After imaging is complete, the sample will be transferred to a sieve for overnight analysis by CheMin. This will allow for detailed analysis of the chemical composition and properties of the sample, providing valuable insights into Martian geology and potential signs of life.

On the second day, ChemCam and Mastcam observations will be conducted on targets “Natas” and “Langental” to investigate chemical variations in Martian stratigraphy. This will help researchers gain a better understanding of how Mars has evolved over time, and may provide evidence for past or present water activity on its surface.

On the third day, there will be a morning science block filled with ChemCam, Navcam, and Mastcam observations to monitor atmospheric composition and opacity on Mars. The team will also search for clouds during this time to gather additional data on atmospheric conditions on Mars. In addition to these observations, ChemCam will be used to study drill tailings and a freshly broken rock to further analyze their composition and properties. The day will end with some repeated atmospheric observations to ensure accurate data collection.

Overall, these activities are crucial in providing scientists with valuable data about Martian geology and potential signs of life on its surface. By analyzing samples collected from drill holes like Okoruso, researchers can gain a better understanding of how Mars has evolved over time and potentially uncover new discoveries about our neighboring planet.