Curiosity Begins Final Phase of Boxwork Exploration

Curiosity spent the week finishing the last activities tied to the “Nevado Sajama 2” drill and has begun the final phase of its boxwork exploration campaign in Gale Crater. The science team divided the campaign into four phases: initial approach, establishing regional context, detailed exploration of the most pronounced ridges and hollows, and the current final-look phase focused on remaining measurements and contacts with adjacent units.

Phase 1 (sols 4534–4570) covered the initial observations and led to drilling at Altadena. Phase 2 (sols 4571–4599) provided additional context between Altadena and the main boxwork area and included a stop at the Volcán Peña Blanca feature. Phase 3 (sols 4600–4805) concentrated on the best-expressed boxwork structures and produced the drill targets named Valle de la Luna (a hollow) and Nevado Sajama (a ridge).

The rover’s first drive away from the Nevado Sajama drill carried it northeast along a broad ridge, offering views of ridges and hollows to the east.

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