Today, the MSL team continued our plan to deliver rock powder samples drilled from Sequoia to the SAM instrument using our robotic arm. Typically, after drilling when we want to send samples to SAM for analysis, we first perform a “preconditioning” check; basically, to ensure the SAM is in good working condition to receive samples. Over last weekend, when the plan 3 soles were delivered to the rover, we planned pre-conditioning to be done on one of the soles. Unfortunately, these preconditions did not pass all checks, so we had to postpone the delivery which was originally planned for Monday. However, this week we got a second chance. On Monday, we ran the SAM precondition again, and this time it worked! On the first sol of our plan, we finally sent our samples to SAM for analysis. The photo above is of the rover body – you can see two inlet covers for the SAM at the front, and one for the CheMin instruments at the back. This cover can be opened and closed as we deliver the sample to the instrument using the robotic arm.
We are always eager to carry out solid new sample analysis activities. This activity involves pyrolysis measurements where we heat the sample to close to 1000 degrees Celsius, and the resulting gas is analyzed for its composition. On this sol, we will also have a science activity block, which includes optical depth measurements using Mastcam and LIBS observations of our “Dragon’s Tooth” target using ChemCam. In the second and final plan, we will run another science block, which includes NCAM dust devil and cloud films, some Mastcam observations, and another LIBS observation of “The Sphinx” target using ChemCam.
As part of this plan, we also sent a conjunction plan to the rover. A conjunction is a period of time where Mars, the Sun, and Earth are all aligned – but because the Sun blocks Mars from us, we can’t communicate with any Mars missions at all! This year, the conjunction will occur over several weeks in November. Our team put together a plan to keep the rover safe and productive while waiting for communications to resume, which was linked to the rover as part of today’s plan. Even though we’re not that close yet, it’s best to be prepared!
2023-10-26 18:53:30
#SAM #Takes #Prepares #Conjunction #NASAs #Mars #Exploration #SurabayaPostKota.net
