[X] My Assistant

[maycm]

An interesting update at Newscientist.

Seems they are planning on using Spirit's RAT to dig down into the dirt, cm by cm.

I wonder how deep they can go? Maybe we'll find out if there is anything frozen/liquid just below the surface.

Link

[Shaka]

http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/gallery/pre.../20060425a.html
Details on the 'dig'!

Spirit will use the brush on the rock abrasion tool to carefully sweep away soil, much the way an archaeologist uses a brush to uncover artifacts. At each level, Spirit will measure the mineral and chemical properties and assess the physical nature (such as grain size, texture, hardness) of the material, using the Athena science instruments on the robotic arm.

What rotation speed(s) does the brush use?
Apparently Spirit's wheels won't turn again for 4 months.
Oh well, at least Oppy's going to be moving.

[sattrackpro]

Apparently Spirit's wheels won't turn again for 4 months.

Well, I'd be very surprised if they actually sit right where they are for the next four months - for several reasons. First, the slope nearby (dead ahead to rear of rover) allows for a better tilt toward the sun (current is 11 degrees, potential is for 15 to 18 degrees.) Second, there are so many 'targets' to get to - for 'science' - that I believe they will slowly get around to over the next few months. I’m expecting at least half a dozen moves to nearby targets.

The problems associated with moving are great - ability to turn is limited, and potential for getting 'stuck' is high, unless great care is taken. They'll have to wiggle around the dead wheel, and hence they have to pre-plan every move much more carefully than in the past. Every turn will dig up the soil around where it is made, and obviously, the big rocks in the area could become a problem in any turning sequence.

There is also the rise to the immediate west of the current location, that also offers a potential greater northern tilt - perhaps five to eight more degrees - and additional targets of interest nearby.

So somewhere in the following months, I fully expect to see a visit to that rise -which won’t entail much additional driving – but will give us new views, and many more fascinating pictures to contemplate.