Friday 7th September Sol 32

We are testing out the robotic arm for the next few sols.  This 70 kg instrument is essential to the long term success of the mission as it carries the Alpha particle source X-ray Spectrometer (for elemental compositions of rocks), a brush to get rid of dust from rock surfaces, the microscopic imager (MAHLI), the drill head and scoop.  We will use the latter for the first sampling of Mars dust by X-ray diffraction later in the mission, on our way to GlenElg.  It has been tested on Earth, but Mars’ gravity is a third of that, so its movement needs to be checked.

One sol 35 I will be Mineralogy Theme Lead for a few sols, we will have to plan our science activities, making sure they fit in with the instrument testing and taking Flat and Dark frames.