MSL landing site: Gale Crater Options

[elakdawalla]

I think you're right that that might have entered into their decisionmaking process. The southern sites especially would see pretty big extremes over the course of the year. Nothing that the rover couldn't handle, of course -- it would have been fine -- but it does make planning more complex when your power fluctuates so much over the course of a year.

[brellis]

Guys, it's not the same as Gusev.

I should've said it looks the same size as Gusev.

Thanks for the exciting details. Gotta stock up on the popcorn, this should be a great show!

[centsworth_II]

There is one thing Gale has that Gusev is lacking. Can you pick it out?

[Drkskywxlt]

A longer animation involving more data from HRSC/CTX/HiRISE - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvXHu-U02UE

What is the green line supposed to indicate, Doug?

[Phil Stooke]

A 'notional' traverse route.

Phil

[djellison]

Yup - a couple of possible traverse routes from Bell/Anderson.

[Drkskywxlt]

I vote for the rightside squiggly-looking traverse route

[djellison]

So does driveability analysis based on HiRISE DTM's and other data.

[Drkskywxlt]

Interesting...it seemed like the rougher terrain was in that direction from your video. Looks can be deceiving.

[Guest_Oersted_*]

...and here's a little mind-blowing 3D animation flyover that Doug put together.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lh_bfrl9wk0

"The terrain has accurate vertical scaling and is not exaggerated."

Wauw.

[djellison]

That area is outside the landing ellipse, fyi.

[KrisK]

However, the final decision has not been made or announced, and NASA Associate Administrator Ed Weiler has the final word. He is expected to make the final decision on Friday with a formal announcement of the site to follow next week.

http://www.universetoday.com/87047/gale-cr...l-landing-site/

We are now in this "next week" so, any rumors on NASA Associate Administrator Ed Weiler's final words? Also I wondered if they planed to organize streamed video conference abut this?

[centsworth_II]

...any rumors on NASA Associate Administrator Ed Weiler's final words?

NASA mulls targeting decision for Mars rover - June 27, 2011
The decision on where to land Curiosity, the super-sized roving science laboratory bound for Mars later this year, isn’t expected for at least another two weeks...

NASA headquarters was prepared to roll out an official announcement as early as today, had the council and Weiler come to an easy decision. But Weiler, who will make the final call, has instructed the council to study the information that was presented to them for the next two weeks.

[charborob]

Looks like the choice now is between two sites: Gale and Eberswalde, according to this.
See also here.

[peter59]

Landing site should be interesting for scientist and for normal US tax payers. Eberswalde is interesting for scientists, like 10 000 other sites on Mars, but not for ordinary person. In my opinion selection of Eberswalde crater will be a strategic mistake. Public interest will be short-lived and minimal. Without the support and interest of ordinary people further studies of Mars will not be possible. I hope this post does not initiate any discussion, I want only to express my disappointment and frustration. Mawrth was my favorite and it's hard for me to agree with the rejection of this wonderful place.