Curiosity update: ‘Approaching Lion’

Sol 1051-1054, July 22, 2015, update from USGS scientist Ken Herkenhoff: After driving just over 20 meters, the rover stopped 4.4 meters short of the Sol 1049 drive goal because the vehicle pitch exceeded the 15-degree limit set by the rover drivers.  So another 6.4-meter drive toward the bright outcrop of interest, dubbed “Lion,” was planned for Sol 1051.  That drive completed successfully, providing a good view of the outcrop.  ChemCam and Mastcam observed the sand ripple “Agency” and bedrock target “Mullan” before the Sol 1051 drive.  Now that the Lion outcrop is within LIBS range, ChemCam and Mastcam observations… [More at link]