[meteorite-list] Mars Rover Opportunity Update: January 26 - February 2, 2016

[Ron Baalke]

http://mars.nasa.gov/mer/mission/status.html#opportunity

OPPORTUNITY UPDATE:  Climbing Steeper Slopes to Reach Science Targets 
 - sols 4269-4275, January 26, 2016-February 02, 2016:

Opportunity is exploring 'Marathon Valley' on the rim of Endeavour crater. 
The rover is climbing up steep slopes to reach high-value science targets 
up on 'Knudsen Ridge.'

Opportunity performed the first of two steep climbs on Sol 4269 (Jan. 
26, 2016), with just less than 16 feet (5 meters) for progress on slopes 
nearing 30 degrees. On the next sol, the rover ascended further up slope 
about 14 feet (4.4 meters) reaching tilts just under 30 degrees. For the 
next fives sols Opportunity conducted extensive Navigation Camera (Navcam) 
and Panoramic Camera (Pancam) imaging surveys of the potential rock targets 
and ridge outcrop in front of the rover in preparation for extensive in-situ 
(contact) science campaigns on the geologic units high up on this ridge 
line.

As of Sol 4275 (Feb. 2, 2016), the solar array energy production was 498 
watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.459 and a solar array 
dust factor of 0.683.

Total odometry is 26.51 miles (42.66 kilometers), more than a marathon.