Localization and physical properties experiments conducted by Spirit at Gusev Crater

Science. 2004 Aug 6;305(5685):821-4. doi: 10.1126/science.1099922.

Abstract

The precise location and relative elevation of Spirit during its traverses from the Columbia Memorial station to Bonneville crater were determined with bundle-adjusted retrievals from rover wheel turns, suspension and tilt angles, and overlapping images. Physical properties experiments show a decrease of 0.2% per Mars solar day in solar cell output resulting from deposition of airborne dust, cohesive soil-like deposits in plains and hollows, bright and dark rock coatings, and relatively weak volcanic rocks of basaltic composition. Volcanic, impact, aeolian, and water-related processes produced the encountered landforms and materials.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Extraterrestrial Environment
  • Geologic Sediments
  • Mars*
  • Volcanic Eruptions
  • Water
  • Wind

Substances

  • Water