[meteorite-list] Mars Rover Opportunity Update: October 20-25, 2011

From: Ron Baalke <baalke_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Fri, 28 Oct 2011 09:35:24 -0700 (PDT)
Message-ID: <201110281635.p9SGZPXN003382_at_zagami.jpl.nasa.gov>

http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/mission/status.html#opportunity

OPPORTUNITY UPDATE: Opportunity Continues to Drive North -
sols 2751-2756, October 20-25, 2011:

The seasonal plan is for Opportunity to winter over on the north end of
Cape York on the rim of Endeavour crater where northern tilts are
favorable for energy production.

As such, the project has been driving the rover in the direction of the
north end of the cape with a route along the west side that creates
opportunities for science along the way. The science team is on the
lookout for veins of light-toned material, putative fracture-fill.

On Sol 2751 (Oct. 20, 2011), Opportunity traveled over 161 feet (49
meters) in the northeasterly direction. The three-sol plan over the
weekend had Opportunity heading just west of north with almost a
197-foot (60-meter) drive. With that drive, the rover exceeded 21 miles
(34 kilometers) of odometry. On Sol 2756 (Oct. 25, 2011), the rover
drove over 135 feet (41 meters), first northwest then due north. The
plan ahead is more driving north.

As of Sol 2756 (Oct. 25, 2011), solar array energy production was 297
watt-hours with an increased atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.913 and a
solar array dust factor of 0.510.

Total odometry is 21.18 miles (34,081.11 meters, or 34.08 kilometers).
Received on Fri 28 Oct 2011 12:35:24 PM PDT