Steve, you are basically right. The other tie between surface features and inertial space is MOLA. But overall it may not be much more accurate than the few hundred meters already quoted. That may improve with later analysis but I'm not sure how much of it has been done yet.

Phil

MERB UHF Tracking data
http://anserver1.eprsl.wustl.edu/anteam/merb/merb.htm

I've whacked some of that into Excel in the past, it's interesting to watch the signal drop out during occultation by things like the LGA, PCMA etc.

Phil - do you know of a scale for your 2k x 2k endurance map? I've finally got round to trying to overlay the mobility plots onto it and I'm not quite sure how accurate I'm being

Doug

what you think from this> http://marsrovers.nasa.gov/gallery/all/1/n...FWP1907R0M1.JPG
Sol 776 nav cam
is that small crater?

FIN Mars, look at the dedicated thread:
http://www.unmannedspaceflight.com/index.p...indpost&p=49130

Route map, updated to sol 782.

way to wictoria?

Note that the entry paths to the crater by the northern rim have a southern slope.
Even if Oppy is almost at the equator, I fear those slopes would be "no go" due to the same reasons Spirit is currently looking for a "winter's quarter".

The raised rim near the approach will be NW facing, and the ramps down into the crater will be south facing - ish...so there's a slope for every season

Doug

I would expect they will go right up to the edge wherever they can along the north side, get some good sun and take a -lot- of images of the rim and inner bowl. Then they will plot a route around to the south side that keeps the rover flat or north-tilted before finding an entry path.

This descent path was named "Boat Ramp" by the MER team a year ago...

And I'm sure there is no doubt that once we start down it we will be 'launched' into Victoria Crater. The only uncertainty is whether we will conclude the launch right-side-up or upside-down.
Can we tell the slope of the inside walls now? Presumably when we get there.

A geologist acquaintence who works on the MER project referred to the camp who favors entering Victoria at all costs as the "Thelma and Louise crowd". He actually counted himself in this group.

I remember seing a presentation by Tim Parker that described Victoria as a suitable 'end of mission' location. It's a sad thought - but it's a sensible proposition - you could spend a year inside Victoria alone - a couple of nice pans from around the interior - a fitting end. There's nothing that realistically could be pinned to the map as a suitable location after Victoria to be honest.

Doug

A agree too but, "what if" Oppy is still around after they decide that they know enough about VC ? When we 'll get there, we'll have to start a new pool "How long will we stay at Victoria"

I think the trip in will be a one way trip