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Spirit Undertaking More Soil Investigation
Pasadena CA (SPX) Jun 25, 2009 Spirit remains stationary on the west side of Home Plate in the location called "Troy". The rover continues to be busy with an ambitious observation campaign employing both remote sensing and in-situ (contact) science with the robotic arm (instrument deployment device, IDD). The soil disturbed by the rover's embedding has been the subject of extensive science investigation. Five out of the past seven sols have involved using the instruments on the end of the robotic arm to collect images and composition spectra of five distinct targets. Images from the panoramic camera (Pancam) and spectra from the miniature thermal emission spectrometer (Mini-TES) have also been collected. Extensive nighttime observations have been planned to make use of the abundant energy the rover has right now. At JPL, preparations are continuing for ground testing with the surface system testbed (SSTB) rover. A special test form has been constructed to hold the new soil simulant that will recreate Spirit's martian terrain. The new simulant has been validated with single-wheel "shoebox" testing by the SSTB rover. Large quantities of simulant ingredients have been ordered and are expected within days. As of Sol 1939 (June 17, 2009), Spirit's solar array energy production is at 853 watt-hours, with atmospheric opacity (tau) of 0.486 and a dust factor of 0.760. Total odometry remains at 7,729.93 meters (4.80 miles). Share This Article With Planet Earth
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Spirit Observes Its Surroundings At TroyPasadena CA (SPX) Jun 19, 2009 Spirit remains stationary on the west side of Home Plate. Work continues on developing the ground testing to assist the rover in extracting itself from the embedding in this location, called "Troy". The rover has been busy with an ambitious observation campaign employing both remote sensing and in-situ (contact) science with the robotic arm (instrument deployment device, IDD). The soil ... read more |
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