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submitted 3 days ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

MastCam-Z at full zoom checks out the fractured bedrock where the rover tried to core a few days ago. I've processed the image to pull out the details as the raw image was a little over exposed. Hope that they acquire some SuperCam close-ups :) Credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS

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[-] [email protected] 2 points 1 day ago

I'm assuming the delay is due to engineering checks on the drill and it's electrical circuits. One of those broken plates appears to have been wedged between between a drill support, and the coring bit. If it was wedged tightly, the sudden additional load on the drill motor may have tripped the rotation of the drill, or if it tripped because the sensors in the robotic arm detected the movement that we can see in the image set.

Whatever it was, I'm assuming that they will need to check out the hardware and electric systems. JPL can communicate in direct mode to the rover rather than through the orbiters for engineering activities. We we would normally be able to see that direct communication on the DSN, but each time I have checked it today there has been zero communications activity from any of the mission missions. that's either a fault or it's another cutback.

DSN: https://eyes.nasa.gov/apps/dsn-now/dsn.html

BTW I'll volunteer to go and check out those fractured rocks. I just need a ride ;)

this post was submitted on 17 Jun 2025
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NASA's Perseverance Mars Rover

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On the plains of Jezero, the secrets of Mars' past await us! Follow for the latest news, updates, pretty pics, and community discussion on NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's most ambitious mission to Mars!

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