Curiosity prepares for first soil sample
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Engineering drawing showing Curiosity’s “hand” (Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech)
'Bathurst Inlet' Rock recently studied by Curiosity (Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Malin Space Science Systems)
Extreme closeup of the 'Bathurst Inlet' Rock showing it’s very fine grain structure. (Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Malin Space Science Systems)
Stereo view of stream bed recently discovered by Curiosity (Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS)
Image from NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter showing the route travelled by Curiosity over 56 Martian days since landing (Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Univ. of Arizona)
“Rocknest” site where Curiosity will take its first soil sample (Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS)
Wheel scuff mark made by Curiosity to expose fresh soil for collection (Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech)
Cutaway view showing the internal chambers of the Collection and Handling for In-Situ Martian Rock Analysis (CHIMRA) device attached to the turret at the end of Curiosity’s arm (Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech)
Engineering drawing of Curiosity (Image: NASA)
Scale comparison of Curiosity (Image: NASA)
Inlet to the Chemistry and Mineralogy (ChemMin) laboratory (Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS)
Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) laboratory (Image: NASA/GSFC/SAM)
Article Summary
Scooping up a handful of dirt may seem simple, but for a robot operating on another planet, it’s a major operation. NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover is making itself ready to collect its first soil sample at an area called “Rocknest.” The preparations involve testing the nuclear-powered rover’s motorized scoop and cleaning out its Chemistry and Mineralogy (ChemMin) and Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) laboratories of any terrestrial contaminants before receiving soil samples.
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