In the remote, red expanse of Mars, the rover Curiosity embarks on an exhilarating mission amidst the holiday buzz. This year, it meticulously spans 14 Martian days—referred to as sols—bridging the gap to the Earth’s New Year with thrilling scientific activities. Collaborating with the capable hands back on Earth, Curiosity is set to deliver, even though it’s the fourth year running for some team members.
The adventure begins as Curiosity captures an image under its left-front wheel, revealing a block it drove over, potentially snapping it into two—a stark reminder of the unpredictability on the Martian surface. The clock on Earth hits the planning date of December 20, 2024, yet on Mars, it’s already sol 4396, witnessing fascinating preparations for an extended holiday plan.
The days ahead are mapped out with precision, aiming to photograph the Martian landscape across various sols using the Mastcam. The team back on Earth, familiar with the complexities of such operations, kicks off with a 360-degree panorama post-drive from the last plan. This foresight reduces the imaging load, paving the way for covering significant sights, such as the imposing buttes, in high resolution.
Curiosity, driven by a thirst for discovery, plans to execute an array of activities. Science operations are uniquely concentrated on certain days—the first, seventh, 13th, and 14th sols. On these special days, Curiosity ventures into scientific sequences that are as complex as they are exciting. With no contact science down the pipeline, the instruments MAHLI and APXS enjoy early holidays. However, ChemCam pushes forward with three LIBS and four RMI mosaics, a load heavier than the norm but embraced with zeal.
Mastcam, a key player in this mission, tackles 34 sequences in total, a stretch beyond its typical limit. These include tracking surface changes caused by the wind, measuring atmospheric opacity, and documenting the rover’s location post-drive. Additionally, it captures the mesmerizing Texoli and Wilkerson buttes and even embarks on a noctilucent cloud quest, a first for this Martian winter.
With a strategic approach in place, hopes are high to resume passing the Sample Return Arm Position (SRAP) early in 2025, post another adventurous 58-meter drive. Until then, the team’s spirits remain high, ready to embrace whatever the Martian landscape throws their way.
Reflecting on this period, the mission operations specialist, Natalie Moore, writes with a palpable sense of enthusiasm and nostalgia. She fondly references past ‘Marsmas’ ventures, underscoring the unique challenges and triumphs faced by the team each year. Her words mirror the blend of scientific pursuit and holiday cheer that defines these extraordinary missions.
As Earthlings celebrate the holiday season, Curiosity continues its awe-inspiring journey across the Martian terrain. This year’s plan, crafted with both precision and a sense of adventure, ensures that our robotic explorer remains vigilant, transforming the barren landscapes of Mars into a vibrant realm of scientific wonder.
Source: Science.nasa
