June 4, 2025 by Sharon Wilson Purdy, NASA edited by Gaby Clark , reviewed by Andrew Zinin scientific editor lead editor This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked trusted source prooRead

When you are scheduled to participate in Science Operations for the rover’s weekend plan, you know it’s going to be a busy morning. Assembling the activities for Friday through Sunday (Sols 4556 through 4558) was no exception. I participated on this shift as the "keeper of the plan" for the geology and minerology theme group, where I worked with members of the science and instrument teams to compile a set of observations for the rover to complete over the weekend. The rover continues to drive over a surface of shallow, sometimes sand-filled depressions that are separated by raised ridges—informally known as the "boxwork structures." On Friday, we were tasked with assessing the ground in our immediate vicinity to determine if the low-lying bedrock in the hollows was suitable for drilling. With a focus on packing the plan with remote sensing activities to understand the bedrock around us, we used the ChemCam laser to analyze the chemistry of two bedrock targets, "La Tuna Canyon" and "Cooper Canyon," that were also documented by Mastcam. ChemCam and Mastcam also teamed up to image an interesting dark ridge nearby named "Encinal Canyon." Mastcam created stereo mosaics to document the nature of the candidate drill sites that were near the rover, in addition to the "Blue Sky Preserve" stereo mosaic that beautifully captured the nature of the boxwork structures in front of us. The environmental theme group included some of their favorite activities in the plan to monitor the clouds, wind, and the atmosphere. Curiosity has successfully completed numerous long drives (about 20+ meters, or 66 feet and beyond) in the past several weeks, but this weekend the rover got a bit of a reprieve—the rover will drive approximately 7 meters (about 23 feet) to get situated in front of a possible drill site. I'm eagerly looking forward to seeing what unfolds on Monday.

Mars Rover Science: Assessing Boxwork Terrain Structures (Sols 4556-4558) During Science Operations for Sols 4556-4558, the Curiosity rover team focused on characterizing the distinctive "boxwork structures" – shallow, sand-filled depressions separated by raised ridges – on the Martian surface. The goal was to evaluate potential drilling locations and gather detailed data about the surrounding geology. This involved a combination of remote sensing instruments and strategic rover positioning. The team’s activities centered around assessing the suitability of the bedrock within these hollows for drilling. A primary objective was to utilize remote sensing techniques to gain a comprehensive understanding of the bedrock composition and characteristics. The ChemCam laser spectrometer was a key tool, allowing scientists to analyze the chemical makeup of two identified bedrock targets: "La Tuna Canyon" and "Cooper Canyon." These targets were also previously documented using the Mastcam instrument, providing valuable context for the ChemCam analysis. Furthermore, the team employed Mastcam to capture detailed images of a nearby dark ridge, aptly named "Encinal Canyon," highlighting the diverse geological features present. Mastcam’s ability to create stereo mosaics was particularly crucial. These mosaics allowed the team to meticulously document the nature of the candidate drill sites situated in close proximity to the rover. A stunning stereo mosaic, dubbed "Blue Sky Preserve," was created to vividly capture the intricate patterns and formations of the boxwork structures themselves. This mosaic provided a breathtaking visual record of the rover’s immediate surroundings and the unique geological landscape.

Beyond the specific instruments, the environmental theme group integrated activities focused on monitoring atmospheric conditions, including cloud cover, wind speed and direction, and overall atmospheric composition. The rover’s strategic positioning and carefully planned drives – extending up to 20+ meters (66 feet) – were designed to maximize scientific return while minimizing operational challenges. This weekend, the rover undertook a shorter drive of approximately 7 meters (23 feet) to strategically position itself in front of a potential drill site, setting the stage for further investigation. The team anticipates a productive week ahead, eager to observe and analyze the unfolding events on Monday.