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Opportunity Brushes Out RAT Cuttings
Pasadena CA (SPX) Jan 12, 2010 Sol 2111-2117: Opportunity has been investigating the rock known as "Marquette Island." The rock abrasion tool (RAT) was used to grind a 1.5-millimeter-deep (0.06-inch-deep) hole in this very hard rock at the target called "Peck Bay 2." The alpha particle X-ray spectrometer (APXS) measurements of Peck Bay 2 were significantly different than the pre-grind measurements. Based on these results, Opportunity is spending another week at Marquette Island for more observations of Peck Bay 2. Opportunity completed a RAT brush of the hole, clearing out the cuttings left by the grind. Microscopic imager (MI) mosaics confirmed the success this activity. Opportunity is continuing to complete APXS measurements of Peck Bay 2 at different positions. The elevation mirror shroud of the miniature thermal emission spectrometer (Mini-TES) is being opened when appropriate with the expectation of eventual dust cleaning. No dust cleaning of the Mini-TES mirror has been noted yet. As of Sol 2117 (Jan. 6, 2010), Opportunity's solar-array energy production is 320 watt-hours, with an atmospheric opacity (tau) of 0.438 and a dust factor of 0.519. Total odometry is 18,927.56 meters (11.76 miles).
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Spirit Tries A Toe-In ManeuverPasadena CA (SPX) Jan 11, 2010 Sol 2131-2136: Spirit remains embedded at the location called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate. Attempts to extricate Spirit have been complicated by the lack of functionality in both the right-rear and right-front wheels. On Sol 2132 (Jan. 1, 2010), the left-front, left-rear, and right-rear wheels were steered 60 degrees toe-in to try and cause material in front of the wheels to coll ... read more |
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