Opportunity Updates

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M I S S I O N     M A N A G E R S
	Scott Lever		Matt Keuneke		Al Herrera

P R E V I O U S    M I S S I O N    M A N A G E R S
	Cindy Oda		Richard Morris		Bill Nelson		Byron Jones		Mark Adler

	Leo Bister		Beth Dewell		Emily Eelkema		Jeff Favretto		Saina Ghandchi

	Andy Mishkin		Art Thompson		Rick Welch		Colette Lohr		Dan Gaines

sols 2641-2647, June 29-July 5, 2011 Opportunity Nears Crater Rim

Opportunity is now within 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) of the first landfall on the rim of Endeavour crater, at a place called "Spirit Point."

With multi-sol planning for the 4th of July holiday weekend, the rover drove only once in the past week with a drive to the southeast on Sol 2645 (July 3, 2011), of over 162 meters (531 feet). On Sol 2642 (June 30, 2011), the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) performed another atmospheric argon measurement. On the next sol, a forward link ultra-high frequency (UHF) test was conducted with the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.

As of Sol 2647 (July 5, 2011), solar array energy production was 421 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 1.03 and a solar array dust factor of 0.596.

Total odometry is 31,630.68 meters (31.63 kilometers, or 19.66 miles).

sols 2635-2640, June 23-28, 2011 Opportunity Is Just Over a Mile From Crater Rim

Opportunity is making excellent progress towards Endeavour crater with only about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) to go before the first landfall on the rim, a place called "Spirit Point."

The rover drove on Sols 2635 and 2637 (June 23 and 25, 2011), covering 138.8 (455 feet) and 126.4 meters (415 feet), respectively. A drive planned for Sol 2640 (June 28, 2011), did not occur because a Deep Space Network (DSN) station outage prevented the uplink of the two-sol plan. The rover, instead, safely executed her on-board runout sequence. The planned drive will be recovered in the subsequent plan. A Quick Fine Attitude (QFA) was performed on Sol 2638 (June 26, 2011), to remove accumulated drift in the rover's inertial measurement unit (IMU or gyros). The Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) performed a measurement of atmospheric argon on Sol 2639 (June 27, 2011). The improved energy situation has permitted some early morning ultra-high frequency (UHF) relay passes to return additional science data. AM relay passes were performed early on the morning of Sols 2637 and 2639 (June 25 and 27, 2011).

As of Sol 2640 (June 28, 2011), solar array energy production was 476 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 1.11 and a solar array dust factor of 0.648.

Total odometry is 31,468.54 meters (31.47 kilometers, or 19.55 miles).

sols 2629-2634, June 17-22, 2011 Opportunity Getting Closer to Endeavour Crater

Opportunity is making excellent progress towards Endeavour crater with only 2.3 kilometers (1.4 miles) to go before reaching the first landfall on the rim, a place called "Spirit Point."

The rover drove southeast on four sols, Sols 2629, 2630, 2633 and 2634 (June 17, 18, 21 and 22, 2011), totaling more than 380 meters (1,247 feet).

With all this driving, which requires many seconds on the rover's inertial measurement unit (IMU), regular sun finds, called Quick Fine Attitudes (QFA) are performed to correct for expected drift in the rover's gyros. A QFA was performed on Sol 2633 (June 21, 2011). Over the three-sol weekend plan, an overnight Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) measurement of atmospheric argon was performed on Sol 2631 (June 19, 2011). With the improve energy production from cleaner solar arrays, on Sol 2634 (June 22, 2011), an early morning wakeup for an AM ultra-high frequency (UHF) relay pass was implemented to return more data from the rover.

As of Sol 2634 (June 22, 2011), solar array energy production was 505 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.926 and a solar array dust factor of 640.

Total odometry is 31,203.25 meters (31.20 kilometers, or 19.39 miles).

sols 2622-2628, June 9-16, 2011: Solar Panels Cleaned: 19-Mile Mark Reached!

Opportunity continues to make excellent progress towards Endeavour crater with under 3 kilometers (nearly 2 miles) to go before the first landfall on the rim.

On Sols 2622, 2626, 2627 and 2628 (June 9, 14, 15 and 16, 2011), the rover drove over 345 meters (1,132 feet) backwards using a combination of blind driving and autonomous navigation.

Opportunity has been driving towards the south/southeast, passing by interesting craters along the way. Currently, the rover is passing through a strewn field of crater impacts, suspected to be all from the same air fall event. On Sol 2625 (June 12, 2011), additional diagnostic tests were run on the miniature thermal emission spectrometer (Mini-TES) instrument. The results are providing further insights into the instrument's anomalous behavior. The rover has benefitted from some recent dust cleaning events on Sols 2627 and 2628 (June 15 and 16, 2011).

As of Sol 2628 (June 16, 2011), solar array energy production increased to 528 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.782 and the solar array dust factor improved to 0.652.

Total odometry is 30,815.10 meters (30.82 kilometers, or 19.15 miles).

sols 2615-2621, June 02-08, 2011: Opportunity Breaks Backward Driving Record!

Opportunity completed a drive-by imaging campaign of another small, but young crater, named "Gemini 5."

On Sol 2616 (June 3, 2011), Opportunity set a new one-sol backwards driving distance record with a drive exceeding 165 meters (541 feet). The forward driving record is still 220 meters (721 feet), set on Sol 410 (March 20, 2005). The drive took the rover toward the crater. The plan was to conduct the drive-by of the crater on Sol 2620 (June 7, 2011), but a Deep Space Network problem prevented the uplink of the drive plan from occurring. The drive was re-planned for Sol 2621 (June 8, 2011), and completed successfully with a drive of 86 meters (282 feet) around the northern edge of Gemini 5 with mid-drive imaging. The plan ahead is to resume the trek toward the rim of Endeavour crater, just over 3 kilometers (nearly 2 miles) away.

As of Sol 2621 (June 8, 2011), solar array energy production was 420 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.747 and a solar array dust factor of 0.562.

Total odometry is 30,307.17 meters (30.31 kilometers, or 18.83 miles).

sols 2608-2614, May 26 - June 01, 2011: Opportunity Studies Rock Outcrop

Opportunity has exceeded 30 kilometers (nearly 19 miles) of odometry! The rover spent the last few sols investigating some exposed rock outcrop en route to Endeavour crater, now just a few kilometers away.

On Sol 2608 (May 26, 2011), Opportunity bumped 60 centimeters (24 inches) to position the outcrop targets within reach of the robotic arm instruments. On Sol 2611 (May 29, 2011), the rover used the Microscopic Imager (MI) to collect an extensive mosaic of the exposed outcrop. Opportunity then conducted a MI poker test, which exhibited anomalous behavior the last time it was used. The test indicated positive switch trip on just one of three tries. The project is investigating this further.

The Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) was placed on the surface target, named Valdivia for a multi-sol integration. On Sol 2614 (June 1, 2011), Opportunity drove away with a 146-meter (479-foot) drive, crossing the 30 kilometer (18.64 mile) odometry mark.

As of Sol 2614 (June 1, 2011), solar array energy production was 408 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.860 and a solar array dust factor of 0.545.

Total odometry is 30,055.50 meters (30.06 kilometers, or 18.68 miles).

sols 2601-2607, May 19-25, 2011: Opportunity Spies Outcrop Ahead

Opportunity continues the trek towards Endeavour crater with less than 3.5 kilometers (2.17 miles) before the first landfall. The rover drove on three of the last seven sols.

Opportunity started with a challenge. On Sol 2601 (May 19, 2011), a long drive was cut short by a cosmic ray-induced single event upset (SEU) in the electronics of one of the motor control boards. The rover safely stopped after only 29 meters (95 feet) when the event occurred. The rover is okay and the electronics are fine. These events happen from time to time.

Opportunity picked up again on Sol 2603 (May 21, 2011), with a drive of nearly 129 meters (423 feet) to the east/southeast. The science team has spied an outcrop ahead to perform some brief in situ (contact) science. Opportunity moved a modest 41 meters (135 feet) to the east/southeast as the approach to this outcrop. The plan is to briefly examine this outcrop before moving on.

As of Sol 2607 (May 25, 2011), solar array energy production was 408 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.827 and a solar array dust factor of 0.535.

Total odometry is 29,908.20 meters (29.91 kilometers, or 18.58 miles).

sols 2595-2600, May 13-18, 2011: Endeavour Crater 3 Miles Ahead!

Opportunity continues the trek towards Endeavour crater, now less than 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) away. The rover drove on four of the last six sols.

On Sol 2595 (May 13, 2011), Opportunity headed southeast with a drive of over 91 meters (300 feet). On the next sol, the rover drove further southeast achieving over 140 meters (460 feet). On Sol 2599 (May 17, 2011), Opportunity headed first southeast then east totaling over 86 meters (282 feet) of distance. On the next sol, the rover drove over 112 meters (367 feet) with a dog-leg maneuver mid-drive so close-up imaging of a crater could be done. The plan ahead is more diving.

As of Sol 2600 (May 18, 2011), solar array energy production was 406 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.806 and a solar array dust factor of 0.528.

Total odometry is 29,709.29 meters (29.71 kilometers, or 18.46 miles).

sols 2588-2594, May 4-12, 2011: Opportunity Past 18-Mile Mark!

Opportunity continues the trek towards Endeavour crater after a brief jog last week through a small field of young impact craters, named in honor after the spacecraft of the NASA Mercury Program.

On Sol 2588 (May 5, 2011), Opportunity headed east with a drive of over 126 meters (413 feet). On Sol 2589 (May 6, 2011), the rover drove further east achieving almost 129 meters (423 feet). On Sol 2592 (May 10, 2011), Opportunity again achieved another long drive to the east covering another 126 meters (413 feet). With this drive, Opportunity passed 29 kilometers (18 miles) of total mission odometry.

On Sol 2593 (May 11, 2011), the rover repeated another long drive to the east of about 117 meters (384 feet). The science team spied an interesting crater in the distance, so on Sol 2594 (May 12, 2011), Opportunity drove 72 meters (236 feet) to stop near the crater named Skylab for a brief imaging sequence before moving on with a drive planned for the next sol.

As of Sol 2594 (May 12, 2011), solar array energy production was 382 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.816 and a solar array dust factor of 0.514.

Total odometry is 29,278.59 meters (29.28 kilometers, or 18.19 miles).

sols 2581-2587, April 28 - May 4, 2011: Opportunity Images Small Craters

Opportunity continues the trek towards Endeavour crater with a brief sojourn through a small field of young impact craters.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the first American into space, Alan Shepard, the Mars Exploration Rover project informally named the craters in this impact field after the spacecraft of the NASA Mercury Program.

On Sol 2581 (April 28, 2011), Opportunity began the approach to the crater field with a 110-meter (360-foot) drive to the southeast. On Sol 2583 (April 31, 2011), the rover cautiously navigated near the craters with a drive of just over 120 meters (394 feet). On Sol 2585 (May 2, 2011), Opportunity drove 28 meters (92 feet) due south heading between the two largest craters, named "Friendship 7" and "Freedom 7." On the next sol, the rover made a 7-meter (23-foot) approach toward the crater Freedom 7 to carefully image the interior. On the next sol, Opportunity performed a cleaver "dog leg" maneuver first due south, then due east to safely navigate around and out of the crater field, while catching opportunities for some close-up imaging of the craters.

The rover's right front wheel continues to show only modestly elevated motor currents. However, the project continues to track this. The plan ahead is more driving as Opportunity leaves these carters behind and heads towards Endeavour, some 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) away.

As of Sol 2587 (May 4, 2011), solar array energy production was 367 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.819 and a solar array dust factor of 0.510.

Total odometry is 28,708.06 meters (28.71 kilometers, or 17.84 miles).

sols 2573-2580, April 20-27, 2011: Opportunity Makes Three Drives This Week

Opportunity continues the trek towards Endeavour crater.

The rover drove on Sols 2574, 2576 and 2579 (April 21, 23 and 26, 2011), covering over 340 meters (1,115 feet) to the southeast. The rover's right front wheel motor currents have settled down some, but the project continues to monitor this. The plan ahead is more driving.

As of Sol 2580 (April 27, 2011), solar array energy production was 381 watt-hours with an elevated atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.870 and a solar array dust factor of 0.507.

Total odometry is 28,384.22 meters (28.38 kilometers, or 17.64 miles).

sols 2566-2572, April 13-19, 2011: Making Progress to Endeavour Crater

Opportunity continues the trek towards Endeavour crater with under 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) to go before reaching the first landfall on the rim of Endeavour crater.

The rover drove on Sols 2569 and 2572 (April 16 and 19, 2011), gaining an additional 221 meters (725 feet) to the southeast. The rover's right front wheel motor currents continue to measure in at reasonable levels. In addition to driving, a notable activity included staying up overnight in the Sol 2570 (April 17, 2011), plan in order to provide the power subsystem with the data they need to update the capacity estimate of the battery.

As of Sol 2572 (April 19, 2011), solar array energy production was 400 watt-hours with an elevated atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.922 and a solar array dust factor of 0.5414.

Total odometry is 28,040.18 meters (28.04 kilometers, or 17.42 miles).

sols 2560-2565, April 07-12, 2011: Opportunity Just Four Miles from Endeavour Rim

Opportunity continues the trek towards Endeavour crater with less than 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) to go before reaching the first landfall on the rim of Endeavour crater.

The rover drove on Sols 2560, 2561 and 2562 (April 7, 8 and 9, 2011), covering over 250 meters (820 feet) to the southeast. The rover's right front wheel motor currents have settled down to more reasonable levels.

Opportunity refined its attitude knowledge with a calibration activity on its inertial measurement unit (IMU). With the pace of driving, these calibrations are done more frequently. The drive planned for Sol 2565 (April 12, 2011), did not occur because a Deep Space Network antenna tracking issue prevented the commands from reaching the rover.

As of Sol 2565 (April 12, 2011), solar array energy production was 390 watt-hours with an elevated atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.919 and a solar array dust factor of 0.5355.

Total odometry is 27,818.48 meters (27.82 kilometers, or 17.29 miles).

sols 2554-2559, April 01-06, 2011: Several Drives This Week Put Rover Over 17-Mile Mark!

Opportunity continues the trek towards Endeavour crater with great dispatch, driving on four of the last six sols.

On Sols 2554 and 2556 (April 1 and 3, 2011), the rover drove over 100 meters (328 feet) due east on each sol. On Sol 2558 (April 5, 2011), the drive stopped short at only 64.6 meters (212 feet) of progress when the right bogie angle limit was exceeded. The limit was set very tight to ensure safe driving. A modest terrain feature caused the limit to trip. After careful review that there was no safety concerns, the rover resumed driving on Sol 2559 (April 6, 2011), with a 65.4 meter (215 foot) drive to the southeast. There continues to be a small increase in the motor currents for the right-front wheel. The project is tracking this.

Another diagnostic of the miniature thermal emission spectrometer (Mini-TES) instrument was performed on Sol 2557 (April 4, 2011). Those diagnostics still indicate anomalous behavior. The instrument investigation is continuing.

As of Sol 2559 (April 6, 2011), solar array energy production was 414 watt-hours with an elevated atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.910 and a solar array dust factor of 0.561.

Total odometry is 27,504.97 meters (27.50 kilometers, or 17.09 miles).

sols 2546-2553, March 23-30, 2011: Opportunity Completes Several Drives This Week

Opportunity has resumed the trek towards Endeavour crater with a series of drives.

On Sol 2547 (March 24, 2011), the rover drove over 100 meters (328 feet) due east away from Santa Maria crater and toward Endeavour. On the next sol, Opportunity completed another long drive of over 114 meters (374 feet), but this time to the south to avoid some boulder-strewn terrain. On Sol 2551 (March 28, 2011), the rover continued in a south-southeast direction with a 71-meter (233 foot) drive to avoid more difficult terrain. Opportunity drove again on Sol 2552 (March 29, 2011), with a 39-meter (128-foot) drive, crossing another odometry mark. Opportunity has now driven over 27 kilometers (almost 17 miles) on Mars!

There has been a small increase in the motor currents for the right-front wheel. The project is keeping a close eye on this. A diagnostic of the miniature thermal emission spectrometer (Mini-TES) instrument was performed on Sol 2550 (March 27, 2011). The result of these tests still indicates anomalous behavior. More testing is planned. As of Sol 2552 (March 29, 2011), solar array energy production was 423 watt-hours with an elevated atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.914 and a solar array dust factor of 0.560.

Total odometry is 27,035.63 meters (27 kilometers, or 16.80 miles).

sols 2540-2545, March 17-22, 2011: Opportunity Back on Path to 'Endeavour'

Opportunity completed the final position for the last wide-baseline stereo imaging of "Santa Maria" crater.

On Sol 2542 (March 19, 2011), the rover moved toward the final "eye" of the wide-baseline imaging location with a drive of 8.3 meters (27 feet). Over the next several sols, the rover collected extensive panoramic camera (Pancam) images of the crater and its interior for the wide-baseline imaging campaign.

With her work now complete at Santa Maria, Opportunity has resumed her trek to Endeavour crater, still some 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) away. For the next sol's plan, a drive of approximately 100 meters (328 feet) due east was sequenced, leaving Santa Maria in the rover's rear view mirror.

As of Sol 2545 (March 22, 2011), solar array energy production was 453 watt-hours with an elevated atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.986 and a solar array dust factor of 0.588.

Total odometry is 26,709.42 meters (26.71 kilometers, or 16.60 miles).

sols 2533-2539, March 10-16, 2011: Opportunity Ready to Leave 'Santa Maria' Crater

Opportunity is positioning for the final wide-baseline stereo imaging, the last activity before leaving "Santa Maria" crater.

On Sol 2534 (March 11, 2011), the rover moved toward the final wide-baseline imaging location. The rover traveled about 2.7 meters (9 feet) before a safety check stopped the motion. Analysis showed that the rover was fine and the safety check was just being cautious. On Sol 2538 (March 15, 2011), Opportunity completed the final 2.7 meters (9 feet) to reach the first "eye" position of the wide-baseline stereo imaging. After completing the imaging here, Opportunity will move to the other "eye" location for the final picture taking before leaving Santa Maria crater for Endeavour crater, which is 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) away.

As of Sol 2538 (March 15, 2011), solar array energy production was 412 watt-hours with an elevated atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 1.02 and a solar array dust factor of 0.579.

Total odometry is 26,701.08 meters (26.70 kilometers, or 16.59 miles).

sols 2527-2532, March 04-09, 2011: Study of 'Ruiz Garcia' Rock Completed

Opportunity completed the in-situ (contact) investigation on the surface target Ruiz Garcia at Santa Maria crater.

On Sol 2520 (Feb. 25, 2011), the rover used the robotic arm (Instrument Deployment Device, or IDD) to collect a microscopic imager (MI) image mosaic of Ruiz Garcia. Then, it placed the alpha particle X-ray spectrometer (APXS) down on the target for multi-sol integration. On Sol 2531 (March 8, 2011), the rover backed away from the target and drove about 8.7 meters (29 feet) north to set up for the final wide-baseline stereo imaging, the last imaging before leaving Santa Maria crater.

As of Sol 2532 (March 9, 2011), solar array energy production was 412 watt-hours with an elevated atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 1.05 and a solar array dust factor of 0.5565.

Total odometry is 26,695.66 meters (26.70 kilometers, or 16.59 miles).

sols 2520-2526, February 25 - March 03, 2011: Rover Snaps Close-Up of 'Ruiz Garcia'

Opportunity is completing the last in-situ (contact) study at Santa Maria crater.

On Sol 2520 (Feb. 25, 2011), the rover bumped 5.35 meters (18 feet) forward to approach the target "Ruiz Garcia," an exposed rock. Then, on the next sol, Opportunity attempted to collect a series of microscopic imager (MI) images, but the MI poker (to detect stand-off distance) did not trip. The project is investigating this. It could be because of the irregular rock surface, or the switch may no longer function. The MI poker is used infrequently and it has been some time since it was last used. The Mössbauer (MB) spectrometer touch plate can be and is used (frequently) as a functional alternate for the MI poker.

On Sol 2524 (March 1, 2011), the rover did collected several microscopic imager images, but the robotic arm (Instrument Deployment Device, or IDD) experienced a stall in Joint 2 (the elbow joint) due to the very long reach of the arm and very small commanded motion. This has been seen before and is expected anytime the IDD is making such a long reach. In any case, a diagnostic maneuver on Sol 2525 (March 2, 2011), confirmed the health of the arm and joint. The rover, also on that sol, bumped 21 centimeters (8 inches) closer to the rock to shorten the IDD reach.

The plan ahead, after the work on Ruiz Garcia is complete, is to drive to the final imaging waypoint around the crater, perform the wide-baseline stereo imaging of the crafter interior, and resume the path towards Endeavour crater, some 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) away.

As of Sol 2526 (March 3, 2011), solar array energy production was 446 watt-hours with an elevated atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 1.35 and a solar array dust factor of 0.599.

Total odometry is 26,686.94 meters (26.69 kilometers, or 16.58 miles).

sols 2512-2519, February 16-23, 2011: Opportunity Hits the Road Again

Opportunity is completing the exploration of Santa Maria crater before resuming the trek towards Endeavour crater.

One objective is to position the rover further counter-clockwise around the southeast region of Santa Maria to collect more wide-baseline stereo imaging of the crater interior.

On Sols 2512 and 2513 (Feb. 16 and Feb. 17, 2011), a rock abrasion tool (RAT) grind was performed on the surface target Luis de Torres. The rover collected a series of microscopic imager (MI) mosaics of the 3-millimeter (0.12 inch) deep grind hole before placing the alpha particle X-ray spectrometer (APXS) on the target on Sol 2515 (Feb. 19, 2011). With the in-situ investigation at Luis de Torres now complete, Opportunity began driving around the crater, first with a 7.4 meter (24 foot) move to the northeast on Sol 2518 (Feb. 22, 2011). Then, on Sol 2519 (Feb. 23, 2011), the rover approached the new imaging waypoint and more surface targets with a 15.3 meter (50 foot) drive.

The plan ahead is to complete the approach to the final targets and imaging waypoint. Then, perform the investigations there, and resume the path towards Endeavour crater, some 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) away.

As of Sol 2519 (Feb. 23, 2011), solar array energy production was 420 watt-hours with an elevated atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 1.00 and a solar array dust factor of 0.624.

Total odometry is 26,681.38 meters (26.68 kilometers, or 16.58 miles).

sols 2500-2511, February 04-15, 2011: Good Health Report After Hiatus in Communications

Opportunity emerged from the solar conjunction in good order. Solar conjunction is the period when communications between Earth and Mars are disrupted because the Sun is directly in between the two planets.

Telemetry has been returned from the two-week solar conjunction period. With the known exception of the miniature thermal emission spectrometer (Mini-TES), all systems are healthy. Extensive mössbauer (MB) integration spectra were successfully collected from the surface target Luis de Torres.

The rover has resumed normal tactical operations. The plan ahead is to perform a rock abrasion tool (RAT) grind on the surface target Luis de Torres for follow-on microscopic imager (MI) mosaics and alpha particle X-ray spectrometer (APXS) measurements.

Completing that, Opportunity will resume the trek towards Endeavour crater. As of Sol 2511 (Feb. 15, 2011), solar array energy production was 505 watt-hours with an elevated atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.949 and a solar array dust factor of 0.597.

Total odometry is 26,658.64 meters (26.66 kilometers, or 16.56 miles).

sols 2497-2499, February 01-03, 2011: Opportunity Catching Rays

Opportunity continues to be in the period of solar conjunction. Solar conjunction is the period when communications between Earth and Mars are disrupted because the Sun is directly in between the two planets.

The last communication with the rover was on Sol 2499 (Feb. 3, 2011), and all appears to be healthy.

Opportunity has a complete set of sequences on board to carry her through the conjunction period. Daily, multi-hour spectra will be collected by the mössbauer (MB) spectrometer which is positioned on the surface target Luis de Torres. A single alpha particle X-ray spectrometer (APXS) atmospheric argon measurement will be performed on Sol 2504 (Feb. 8, 2011).

Just before the conjunction blackout, Opportunity collected a set of 13-filter panoramic camera (Pancam) images of surrounding targets.

As of Sol 2499 (Feb. 3, 2011), solar array energy production was 585 watt-hours with an unknown atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 1.07 and an estimated solar array dust factor of 0.678. The increase in solar array energy from the last reporting period seems to suggest a solar array cleaning event.

Total odometry is 26,658.64 meters (26.66 kilometers, or 16.56 miles).

sols 2490-2496, January 25-31, 2011: Rover Staying Busy While Mars is Behind the Sun

Opportunity has entered the solar conjunction period. Solar conjunction is the period when communications between Earth and Mars are disrupted because the Sun is directly in between the two planets.

The last communication with the rover was on Sol 2496 (Jan. 31, 2011). The next communication is not expected until around Feb. 7, 2011.

Opportunity has a complete set of sequences on board to carry her through the conjunction period. Daily, multi-hour spectra will be collected by the mössbauer (MB) spectrometer which is positioned on the surface target Luis de Torres. A single alpha particle X-ray spectrometer (APXS) atmospheric argon measurement will be performed on Sol 2504 (Feb. 8, 2011).

Just before the conjunction blackout, Opportunity collected a set of 13-filter panoramic camera (Pancam) images of surrounding targets.

As of Sol 2496 (Jan. 31, 2011), solar array energy production was 524 watt-hours with an elevated atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 1.07 and a solar array dust factor of 0.625.

Total odometry is 26,658.64 meters (26.66 kilometers, or 16.56 miles).

sols 2485-2489, January 20-24, 2011: Rover Conducting Science at Crater Rim

Opportunity is in position for solar conjunction at the southeast rim of the 80-meter (262-foot) diameter Santa Maria crater.

The southeast region of the rim shows evidence for hydrated sulfate minerals. Opportunity is positioned near a bright surface target called "Luis de Torres," and has begun the planned in-situ (contact) surface since campaign that will continue through solar conjunction.

On Sol 2485 (Jan. 20, 2011), a microscopic imager (MI) mosaic of Luis de Torres was collected. The target was brushed by the rock abrasion tool (RAT) on a previous sol. On Sol 2486 (Jan. 21, 2011), the alpha particle X-ray spectrometer (APXS) was placed on the same target for a post-brushed integration. On the next sol, the Mössbauer (MB) spectrometer was then positioned on the target for a multi-week integration that will last through the solar conjunction period.

As of Sol 2489 (Jan. 24, 2011), solar array energy production was 554 watt-hours with an elevated atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.854 and a solar array dust factor of 0.616.

Total odometry is 26,658.64 meters (26.66 kilometers, or 16.56 miles).

sols 2478-2484, January 12-19, 2011: Rover is Spending Several Weeks at Crater Rim

Opportunity is in position for solar conjunction at the southeast rim of the 80-meter (262-foot) diameter Santa Maria crater. Solar conjunction is the period when communications between Earth and Mars are disrupted because the Sun is directly in between the two planets.

The southeast region of the rim shows evidence for hydrated sulfate minerals. Opportunity is positioned near a bright surface target called "Luis de Torres," and has begun the planned in-situ (contact) surface science campaign that will continue through solar conjunction.

On Sol 2478 (Jan. 12, 2011), the rover performed a small ( approximately 4.6 degree) turn to position the surface target within reach of the rover's robotic arm (instrument deployment device, or IDD). The rover used the hazardous camera (Hazcam) to take some images of the arm's workspace.

A Deep Space Network issue delayed the return of data, so continued robotic arm activities had to wait. On Sol 2481 (Jan. 15, 2011), Opportunity used the IDD to collect a microscopic imager (MI) mosaic of the surface. Then, the alpha particle X-ray spectrometer (APXS) was placed down for a multi-sol measurement. On Sol 2484 (Jan. 19, 2011), the APXS was lifted from the target and the rock abrasion tool (RAT) was positioned for a grind-scan in preparation for brushing the target on a subsequence sol. Eventually the moessbauer spectrometer will be placed down for a multi-week integration.

As of Sol 2484 (Jan. 19, 2011), solar array energy production was 555 watt-hours with an elevated atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.789 and a solar array dust factor of 0.603.

Total odometry is 26,658.64 meters (26.66 kilometers, or 16.56 miles).

sols 2471-2477, January 05-11, 2011: Rover Reaches Southeastern Rim of Santa Maria Crater

Opportunity is positioning herself for solar conjunction at the southeastern rim of the 80-meter (262-foot) diameter Santa Maria crater.

The solar conjunction period (late-January to mid-February) will afford the rover the chance to conduct a long (multi-week) integration on a surface target with the mössbauer (MB) spectrometer. Solar conjunction is the period when communications between Earth and Mars are disrupted because the Sun is directly in between the two planets. Seen from orbit, the southeast region of the rim of Santa Maria shows evidence for hydrated sulfate minerals. On Sol 2471 (Jan. 5, 2011), a planned drive did not occur because the rover detected an error in the drive sequence sent from Earth. This was corrected and Opportunity drove on Sol 2474 (Jan. 8, 2011), covering over 78 meters (256 feet) around the southern edge of Santa Maria. On Sol 2476 (Jan. 10, 2011), the rover performed a 15-meter (49-foot) approach to the planned spot for solar conjunction. On the next sol, Opportunity bumped about 3 meters (10 feet) to the final target location.

The rover is also continuing to collect wide-baseline stereo imaging of the crater and regular atmospheric argon measurements. The plan ahead will include some final rover positioning for robotic arm use and then the start of the in-situ (contact) science campaign that will extend through solar conjunction.

As of Sol 2477 (Jan. 11, 2011), solar array energy production was 582 watt-hours with an elevated atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.800 and a solar array dust factor of 0.628.

Total odometry is 26,658.64 meters (26.66 kilometers, or 16.56 miles).

sols 2465-2470, December 30, 2010 - January 04, 2011: Rover Continues to Explore Santa Maria Crater

As the New (Earth) Year begins, Opportunity is continuing to explore the 80-meter (262-foot) diameter Santa Maria crater.

The exploration campaign consists of wide-baseline imaging surveys with both navigation camera (Navcam) and panoramic camera (Pancam) from several points around the rim of the crater. Because of the holiday period on Earth, the rover performed several sols of remote sensing imagery on Sols 2465, 2466 and 2467 (Dec. 30, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, 2011). On the next sol, Opportunity drove over 56 meters (184 feet) south then southeast, moving counter clockwise around the crater to set up for the next wide-baseline stereo imaging.

On Sols 2469 (Jan. 3, 2011) and 2470 (Jan. 4, 2011), more remote sensing imagery was collected along with an alpha particle X-ray spectrometer (APXS) measurement of atmospheric argon. After the completion of the image survey from the current location, the rover will continue to move further around the crater for more imaging, and eventually positioning herself near the southeast portion of the rim for solar conjunction (starting late-January) for long-term in situ (contact) science with the mässbauer (MB) spectrometer on putative hydrated sulfate minerals.

As of Sol 2470 (Jan. 4, 2011), solar array energy production was 584 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (Tau) of 0.692 and a solar array dust factor of 0.6205.

Total odometry is 26,562.05 meters (26.56 kilometers, or 16.50 miles).