A Small Test

Friday the 13th may not have been so bad for the folks at JPL. Opportunity actually moved for the first time in two weeks, in a brief test for the crew to validate tests that they've been making here on Earth. Spirit also made the shortest planned drive in its mission this week.

Opportunity rotated its wheels for about two and a half rotations on Friday. The commanded move led to a good match for what scientist are seeing in their tests as reported last week on ANN. The rover advanced 2.8 centimeters (1.1 inch) forward, 4.8 millimeters (0.19 inch) sideways and 4.6 millimeters (0.18 inch) downward in the loose Martian soil.

The rover team may decide whether to repeat the movement again Sunday after further analysis of the results. While waiting, Opportunity's continues remote-sensing observations.

Meanwhile, Spirit continues to examine rocks. After backing away from a rock called "Keystone", Spirit moved forward and to the left towards another target, "Pittsburgh." Although the rover had no problems with the move, the left front wheel was found to be not fully on the ground.

Blaming the problem on a pebble, the crew backed the rover about 5 centimeters (2 inches) and wiggled the wheels to ensure stability for robot arm work that commenced the following day.

FMI: http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov