[meteorite-list] Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity Update: June 21-28, 2012

[Ron Baalke]

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

OPPORTUNITY UPDATE:  Opportunity Uses Robotic Arm Tools on Rock -
sols 2990-2996, June 21-28, 2012:

Opportunity continues to explore the north end of Cape York on the rim
of Endeavour Crater, specifically the transition layer between Cape York
and Meridiani Planum.

Mars Odyssey has returned to service and supported downlinks on both
Sols 2995 and 2996 (June 27 and 28, 2012). Previously Ultra High
Frequency relay for the rover had been limited to just two relay passes
per week from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.

On Sol 2990 (June 21, 2012), in-situ measurements including the
Microscopic Imager (MI) and Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS)
began on the rock target "Grasberg." On Sol 2992 (June 24, 2012), a
slightly offset target, "Grasberg 2," was similarly analyzed. And
finally, on sol 2995 (June 27, 2012), the original Grasberg target was
brushed using the Rock Abrasion Tool in preparation for further MI and
APXS analysis. Though no new cleaning events appear to have occurred,
the rover continues to benefit from previous solar array dust cleaning
events and a slightly improved tilt.

As of Sol 2995 (June 27, 2012), solar array energy production was 559
watt-hours with a lower atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.330 and an
improved solar array dust factor of 0.698.

Total odometry is 21.43 miles (34,491.99 meters).