Science Summary:

Observations on Kaibab will need careful planning so that the fluvial hypotheses for the origin of Kaibab sequence can be properly tested. Currently the rover is in a target rich area; however, there is pressure to move other locations in order to meet the mission success criteria.

Some preliminary results of previously received data were discussed. IPS data of Plainfield has a dark flat spectra consistent with varnished basalt, whereas Paramore shows evidence of kaolinite. The Platy-1 target also has a weak kaolinite signature. Moessbauer data of soil at the Ringwood target shows possible evidence for pyroxene. MiniTES data of Platy-1 is similar to previous soil measurements with evidence of quartz, feldspar, and clay.

Tactical Operations:

The drive to Kaibab on Sol 10 was successful with the rover stopping close to commanded position approximately 2 meters away from Kaibab. However, post drive data showed an overhang ledge on Kaibab that will limit locations where in-situ measurements can be made. Sol 11 will be an approach sol to Kaibab followed by a spectroscopy sol if the approach is successful.

The rover was healthy at the start of Sol 11. Sol 11 is an approach sol to Kaibab with remote sensing observations and a touch and go with MI and APXS before the drive. The planned observations included:

• Atmospheric science requests were three MiniTES observations at 30 deg elevation looking North, East, and West, along with repeat IPS measurements at two elevations to gather information on atmospheric dust and water vapor content.
• Remote sensing observations to test the hypothesis that Kaibab is part of fluvial sequence included three MiniTES observations on Kaibab, a vertical scan of IPS measurements on Coles Point, which is directly above Kaibab, and an IPS measurement on one of the Kaibab MiniTES targets. A Pancam sequence across the width of Kaibab and covering the Coles Point IPS targets was also requested. This mosaic covered some gaps in previous Pancam coverage of Kaibab.
• Before the approach to Kaibab, a touch and go sequence that included MI and APXS observations was requested of a course soil fragment to test whether the gravel at this location is derived from Kaibab. This provided the second of three required locations with in-situ measurements, which is one of the mission success criterion.
• The rover was also commanded to approach the Kaibab outcrop to be in position for in-situ measurements on the Kaibab outcrop.
• A rear looking Pancam mosaic was also requested to begin planning a possible drive to Bonneville.

Some of the requested observations were removed from the final sequences due to rover operating time and data constraints. The deleted requested were the rear looking Pancam mosaic, the atmospheric IPS observations, and a portion of the Kaibab Pancam mosaic.

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