Curiosity tests drilling system
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Area around “John Klein” showig its diversity (Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS)
The “John Klein” rock chosen for the drilling test (Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS)
Curiosity's drill undergoing "pre-load" test (Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech)
Test drilling carried out on the rock called “John Klein” on February 2nd (Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS)
Curiosity’s drill bit as seen by the micro-imager of the Chemistry and Camera instrument (Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech/LANL/CNES/IRAP/LPGNantes/CNRS)
Curiosity’s drill bit as seen by the micro-imager of the Chemistry and Camera instrument (Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech/LANL/CNES/IRAP/LPGNantes/CNRS)
Curiosity's robotic hand containing the drill unit (Image: NASA)
Curiosity's robotic hand containing the drill unit (Image: NASA)
Artist's concept of Curiosity using its robotic arm to examine a rock (Image: NASA)
Article Summary
NASA’s Curiosity rover recently took a step closer to its historic first drilling on Mars, as it tested its drilling system. Last Saturday, the nuclear-powered explorer conducted a "drill-on-rock checkout" on a rock designated “John Klein” in Gale Crater. The brief test of the drill’s percussive action in a back and forth motion was part of a series of tests to determine if the rover’s drill is ready for full operation.
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