Presencia el lanzamiento de Artemis II

Los creadores digitales y usuarios de redes sociales están invitados a inscribirse para asistir al lanzamiento de la misión Artemis II de la NASA. El cohete Sistema de Lanzamiento Espacial (SLS, por sus siglas en inglés) de la agencia lanzará al espacio la nave espacial Orion desde el complejo de lanzamientos 39B en el Centro Espacial Kennedy de la NASA en Florida. Cuatro astronautas a bordo de la nave volarán alrededor de la Luna y regresarán a la Tierra tras permanecer unos 10 días en el espacio.

¿Eres un apasionado de las redes sociales y las comunicaciones? ¿Te entusiasma crear contenido para su público? ¿Eres fanático de experiencias nuevas y únicas? Si la respuesta a todo es sí, ¡este evento de NASA Social es para ti! Esta es tu oportunidad de tener un asiento de primera fila para presenciar esta misión histórica de Artemis que sentará la bases para futuros aterrizajes en la Luna y futuras misiones tripuladas a Marte.

Este evento de NASA Social tendrá lugar durante dos días, incluyendo el día del lanzamiento. Está previsto que la misión Artemis II sea lanzada a más tardar en abril de 2026, con posibles oportunidades desde febrero. Un máximo de 50 creadores digitales serán seleccionados para asistir a este evento de dos días, y tendrán un acceso similar al de los medios de comunicación.

Los participantes de este NASA Social tendrán la oportunidad de:

• Recorrer el Centro Espacial Kennedy de la NASA
• Aprender directamente de nuestros expertos
• Conocer a otros creadores digitales y usuarios de redes sociales
• Compartir con las personas que integran el equipo de redes sociales de la NASA
• Ver el lanzamiento de la misión Artemis II

El plazo de inscripción a este evento de NASA Social para el lanzamiento de Artemis II comienza en esta página el miércoles 19 de noviembre y la fecha límite para presentar la solicitud es el lunes 24 de noviembre a las 5 p.m., hora del este. Todas las solicitudes serán consideradas individualmente.

INSCRÍBETE YA

¿Necesito tener una cuenta de redes sociales para inscribirme?
Sí. Este evento está diseñado para personas que:

• Utilizan activamente diferentes plataformas y herramientas de redes sociales para difundir información a una audiencia determinada.
• Producen con regularidad nuevos contenidos que contienen elementos multimedia.
• Tienen el potencial de alcanzar un gran número de personas utilizando las plataformas digitales.
• Conectan con una audiencia específica, independiente y diferente de la de los medios de comunicación tradicionales o la de la NASA.
• Tienen un historial acreditado de publicación de contenido en plataformas de redes sociales.
• Tienen publicaciones anteriores que han logrado una gran visibilidad y que son respetadas y ampliamente reconocidas.

Se anima a los usuarios a seguir @NASAArtemis para las actualizaciones de la campaña Artemis en X, Facebook e Instagram (en inglés), así como las cuentas de la NASA en español en X, Facebook e Instagram. Las actualizaciones y la información sobre el evento se compartirán (en inglés) en X a través de la cuenta @NASA_Events.

¿Cómo me inscribo?
El  plazo de inscripción para este evento comienza el 19 de noviembre y termina el 24 de noviembre a las 5 p. m., hora del este de Estados Unidos. La inscripción es solo para una persona (tú) y no es transferible. Cada persona que desee asistir debe inscribirse por separado. Cada solicitud será considerada individualmente.

¿Puedo inscribirme si no tengo ciudadanía estadounidense?
Sí, este evento está abierto para todos los que lo soliciten.

¿Cuándo sabré si he sido seleccionado?
Después de que se hayan recibido y procesado las inscripciones, se enviará a la gente seleccionada un correo electrónico con información de confirmación e instrucciones adicionales. Esperamos enviar las primeras notificaciones el lunes 8 de diciembre, y las notificaciones de lista de espera el lunes 15 de diciembre.

¿Cuáles son las credenciales de NASA Social?
Todas las solicitudes para el evento de NASA Social serán consideradas individualmente. Aquellas personas elegidas deben demostrar a través del proceso de inscripción que cumplen con los criterios específicos de participación.

Aún si no consigues participar en este evento de NASA Social, puedes observar el lanzamiento fuera de las instalaciones de la NASA y participar en la conversación en línea. Descubre las formas en que puedes presenciar un despegue visitando el sitio web (en inglés)
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/launchingrockets/viewing.html. 

¿Cuáles son los requisitos para la inscripción?
La inscripción debe indicar tu intención de viajar al Centro Espacial Kennedy de la NASA en Florida y de asistir en persona a este evento de dos días de duración. Tú serás responsable de tus propios gastos de viaje, alojamiento, comida y otros servicios.

La programación de los eventos y la participación de invitados especiales están sujetas a cambios sin previo aviso. La NASA no se hace responsable de las pérdidas o daños ocasionados como resultado de tu visita. Además, la NASA no se hace responsable de las pérdidas o daños ocasionados si el evento es cancelado con una anticipación limitada o sin previo aviso. Por favor, planifica tu asistencia como corresponda.

El centro Kennedy es una instalación del gobierno. Aquellas personas seleccionadas podrían tener que completar algunos pasos de inscripción adicionales para recibir autorización para ingresar a áreas de acceso protegido.

IMPORTANTE: No se admitirá a personas sin la debida identificación.

Para ciudadanos estadounidenses:

• Se te pedirá que presentes la identificación de REAL ID o un pasaporte válido de Estados Unidos MÁS uno de los siguientes documentos:
• Documentos aceptables para acompañar la identificación federal o estatal:
• Pasaporte estadounidense
• Tarjeta de autorización de empleo no vencida (formulario I-688A)
• Documento de autorización de empleo no vencido emitido por el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS) que contenga una fotografía (formulario I-688B)
• Licencia de conducir o tarjeta de identificación expedida por un estado o territorio de Estados Unidos, siempre que contenga una fotografía o información como nombre, fecha de nacimiento, sexo, estatura, color de ojos y dirección
• Tarjeta de identificación expedida por organismos o entidades gubernamentales federales, estatales o locales, siempre que contenga una fotografía o información como nombre, fecha de nacimiento, sexo, estatura, color de ojos y dirección
• Tarjeta de identificación académica con fotografía
• Tarjeta de registro electoral
• Tarjeta de identificación como dependiente de militar
• Tarjeta militar o registro de reclutamiento de Estados Unidos
• Tarjeta de miembro de la Marina Mercante de la Guardia Costera de Estados Unidos
• Documento tribal de identificación de nativo estadounidense
• Tarjeta del Seguro Social de Estados Unidos emitida por la Administración del Seguro Social (que no sea una tarjeta que indique que no es válida para el empleo)
• Original o copia certificada de la partida de nacimiento expedida por un estado, condado, autoridad municipal o territorio de Estados Unidos que contenga un sello oficial
• Tarjeta de identificación de ciudadanía estadounidense (formulario I-197)
• Tarjeta de identificación para uso de ciudadanos residentes en Estados Unidos (formulario I-179)
• Documento de autorización de empleo no vencido emitido por el DHS que contenga una fotografía (que sea diferente de los documentos indicados anteriormente)

Para ciudadanos extranjeros:

• Se permiten los mismos documentos indicados para los ciudadanos estadounidenses (la tarjeta del seguro social, SSN, solo será solicitada cuando corresponda)
• Pasaporte extranjero no vencido, con sello I-551 o formulario I-94 adjunto que indique autorización de empleo no vencida
• Número de pasaporte y fecha de registro
• Documento de ciudadanía
• Licencia de conducir emitida por una autoridad gubernamental canadiense
• Para extranjeros con residencia legal en Estados Unidos:
• Se permiten los mismos documentos indicados para los ciudadanos estadounidenses y:
• Tarjeta de residencia permanente o tarjeta de recibo de registro de extranjero con fotografía (formulario I-551)
• Tarjeta de residente temporal no vencida (formulario I-688)
• Certificado de nacimiento en el extranjero expedido por el Departamento de Estado (formulario FS-545 o formulario DS-1350)

La Ley de REAL ID fue aprobada por el Congreso en 2005 para establecer estándares mínimos de seguridad para las licencias de conducir y tarjetas de identificación emitidas por los estados.
Todas las personas inscritas deben tener al menos 18 años de edad.

¿Qué sucede si cambia la fecha de lanzamiento?
Cientos de factores diferentes pueden hacer que una fecha de lanzamiento programada cambie varias veces. La fecha de lanzamiento no será oficial hasta después de la revisión de aptitud para el vuelo. Si la fecha de lanzamiento cambia antes de esta revisión, la NASA puede ajustar la fecha del evento de NASA Social en consecuencia para que coincida con la nueva fecha de lanzamiento objetiva, y notificará a las personas inscritas por correo electrónico acerca de cualquier cambio que tenga lugar.

Si el lanzamiento se pospone, se invitará a las personas seleccionadas a asistir a una fecha de lanzamiento posterior. Si el lanzamiento se pospone por más de 72 horas, el evento de NASA Social podría ser cancelado.
Los asistentes al evento de NASA Social son responsables de todos los gastos adicionales ocasionados en relación con cualquier retraso en el lanzamiento. Recomendamos encarecidamente a los participantes que hagan reservas de viaje reembolsables y/o flexibles.

¿Qué sucede si no puedo acudir al Centro Espacial Kennedy?
Si no puedes venir al Centro Espacial Kennedy y asistir en persona, no debes inscribirte en el evento de NASA Social. Únete a la conversación siguiendo las cuentas de @NASAArtemis (en inglés) en X, Facebook e Instagram, o las cuantas de la NASA en español en X, Facebook e Instagram y mira el lanzamiento en nasa.gov/live (ofreceremos retransmisiones en inglés y en español). La NASA proporcionará actualizaciones periódicas sobre el lanzamiento y la misión en sus cuentas @NASA y @NASAArtemis y @NASA_ES.

Si no puedes asistir a este evento de NASA Social, no te preocupes: ¡la NASA está planeando muchos otros eventos de NASA Social en el futuro cercano que se llevarán a cabo en diferentes lugares! Sigue nuestras noticias en las redes sociales de la NASA, o en nuestro boletín semanal en español: https://www.nasa.gov/suscribete.

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Andres D. Almeida

Experience the Launch of Artemis II

Lee esta nota en español aquí

Digital creators and social media users are invited to register to attend the launch of the NASA’s Artemis II mission. The agency’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket will launch the Orion spacecraft from Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Four astronauts aboard will fly around the Moon and return to Earth after about 10 days in space.

Are you passionate about social media and communications? Do you love to create content for an audience? Are you a fan of new, unique experiences? If you said yes, this NASA Social event is for you! This is your opportunity to be on the front lines of this historic Artemis mission that will lay the groundwork for future Moon landings and crewed missions to Mars.

The NASA Social event will take place over two days, including the day of launch. Artemis II is targeted to launch no later than April 2026, with potential opportunities as soon as February. A maximum of 50 digital creators will be selected to attend this two-day event and will be given access similar to news media.

NASA Social participants will have the opportunity to:

• Tour NASA’s Kennedy Space Center
• Learn directly from subject matter experts
• Meet fellow digital creators and social media users
• Spend time with members of NASA’s social media team
• View the launch of the Artemis II mission

NASA Social registration for the Artemis II launch opens on this page on Wednesday, Nov. 19 and the deadline to apply is 5 p.m. EST on Monday, Nov. 24. All applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

APPLY NOW

Do I need to have a social media account to register?

Yes. This event is designed for people who:

• Actively use multiple social networking platforms and tools to disseminate information to a unique audience.
• Regularly produce new content that features multimedia elements.
• Have the potential to reach a large number of people using digital platforms.
• Reach a unique audience, separate and distinctive from traditional news media and/or NASA audiences.
• Must have an established history of posting content on social media platforms.
• Have previous postings that are highly visible, respected, and widely recognized.

Users are encouraged to follow @NASAArtemis for Artemis updates on X, Facebook, and Instagram. Updates and information about the event will be shared on X via @NASA_Events.

How do I register?

Registration for this event opens Nov. 19 and closes at 5 p.m. EST on Nov. 24. Registration is for one person only (you) and is non-transferable. Each individual wishing to attend must register separately. Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Can I register if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, this event is open for all to apply.

When will I know if I am selected?

After registrations have been received and processed, an email with confirmation information and additional instructions will be sent to those selected. We expect to send the first notifications on Monday, Dec. 8, and waitlist notifications on Monday, Dec. 15.

What are NASA Social credentials?

All NASA social applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Those chosen must prove through the registration process they meet specific engagement criteria.

If you do not make the registration list for this NASA Social, you still can attend the launch off site and participate in the conversation online. Find out about ways to experience a launch at http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/launchingrockets/viewing.html. 

What are the registration requirements?

Registration indicates your intent to travel to NASA Kennedy and attend the two-day event in person. You are responsible for your own expenses for travel, accommodation, food, and other amenities.

The schedule of events and special guest appearances are subject to change without notice. NASA is not responsible for loss or damage incurred as a result of attending. NASA, moreover, is not responsible for loss or damage incurred if the event is canceled with limited or no notice. Please plan accordingly.

Kennedy is a government facility. Those who are selected may need to complete additional steps to receive clearance to enter the secure areas.

Kennedy is a government facility. Those who are selected may need to complete additional steps to receive clearance to enter the secure areas.

IMPORTANT: Those without proper identification cannot be admitted.

For United States Citizens:

You will be required to present a REAL ID compliant identification or valid U.S. passport PLUS one of the following:

Acceptable documents to accompany federal or state identification:

• U.S. Passport
• Unexpired Employment Authorization Card (Form I-688A)
• Unexpired Employment Authorization Document issued by DHS that contains a photograph (Form I-688B)
• Driver’s license or ID card issued by a state or outlying possession of the United States provided it contains a photograph or information such as name, date of birth, gender, height, eye color, and address
• ID card issued by federal, state or local government agencies or entities, provided it contains a photograph or information such as name, date of birth, gender, height, eye color and address
• School ID card with a photograph
• Voter’s Registration Card
• Military Dependent’s ID Card
• U.S. Military card or draft record
• U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card
• Native American Tribal Document
• U.S. Social Security Card issued by the Social Security Administration (other than a card stating it is not valid for employment)
• Original or Certified copy of birth certificate issued by a state, county, municipal authority or outlying possessions of the United States bearing an official seal
• U.S. Citizen ID Card (Form I-197)
• ID Card for use of Resident Citizens of the United States (Form I-179)
• Unexpired employment authorization document issued by DHS (other than those listed previously)

For Foreign Nationals:

• Same items required of U.S. Citizens (SSN only when applicable)
• Unexpired foreign passport, with I-551 stamp or attached Form I-94 indicating unexpired employment authorization
• Passport number and registration date
• Citizenship
• Driver’s license issued by a Canadian Government authority

For Legal Resident Aliens:

• Same items required of U. S. Citizens, and:
• Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card with photograph (Form I-551)
• Unexpired Temporary Resident Card (Form I-688)
• Certification of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State (Form FS-545 or Form DS-1350)

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.

All registrants must be at least 18 years old.

What if the launch date changes?

Hundreds of different factors can cause a scheduled launch date to change multiple times. The launch date will not be official until after the Flight Readiness Review. If the launch date changes prior to the review, NASA may adjust the date of the NASA Social accordingly to coincide with the new target launch date, and will notify registrants of any changes via email.

If the launch is postponed, attendees will be invited to attend a later launch date. If the launch is postponed beyond 72 hours, the NASA Social event may be canceled.

NASA Social attendees are responsible for any additional costs they incur related to any launch delay. We strongly encourage participants to make travel arrangements that are refundable and/or flexible.

What if I cannot come to the Kennedy Space Center?

If you cannot come to the NASA Kennedy and attend in person, you should not register for the NASA Social. Join the conversation by following @NASAArtemis on X, Facebook, and Instagram, and watch the launch at nasa.gov/live. NASA will provide regular launch and mission updates on @NASA and @NASAArtemis.

If you cannot make this NASA Social, don’t worry; NASA is planning many other NASA Social events in the near future at various locations! Check for updates on NASA Socials.

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Gary Daines

Station Nation: Meet Alyssa Yockey, Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory Flight Lead 

Alyssa Yockey supports the International Space Station from NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston as a flight lead at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory. The Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory is one of the world’s largest indoor pools where astronauts and support teams conduct trainings and other large-scale operations, both in the water and on the pool deck. 

In this role, Yockey guides teams through integration efforts, including test readiness reviews to ensure all requirements are met, and helps prepare for suited or other testing events. She ensures smooth planning and execution of each mission-focused activity. Yockey also serves as a safety diver during astronaut suited testing events, giving her a unique perspective on both the planning and execution of Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory operations. 

Read on to learn about Yockey’s career with NASA and more! 

Where are you from? 

Friendswood, Texas. 

How long have you been working for NASA? 

Eleven and a half years. 

What was your path to NASA? 

My path to NASA has been a unique blend of science and hands-on experience. I grew up in Friendswood, Texas, surrounded by the influence of NASA and the space community. While many around me were drawn to engineering, I knew early on that wasn’t the path I wanted to take. Instead, I followed my curiosity for the natural world and earned a master’s degree in marine biology, which gave me a strong foundation in research, problem-solving, and working in challenging environments. From there, I pursued opportunities that built on those skills, including completing offshore water survival training at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory for the job I held at the time. This role also allowed me to learn more about the wide range of opportunities at the facility. In addition, I became a certified scuba diver during college, which strengthened my capability and confidence in underwater and extreme environments. Together, these experiences combined my academic background with practical training, and ultimately guided me toward my role at NASA. 

How would you describe your job to family or friends that may not be familiar with NASA? 

When I explain my job to family and friends, I usually say I help make sure “astronaut pool days” go smoothly. I work with different teams to get their projects ready for NASA’s giant pool – the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory – where astronauts practice for spacewalks both on the International Space Station and on the lunar surface. That means taking care of the paperwork, preparing checklists for mock-up setup, and ensuring everything’s ready before anyone puts on a suit and hops in the water. When I am not doing that, I sometimes have the opportunity to jump in myself as a safety diver, which essentially makes me an underwater lifeguard for the astronauts. 

What advice would you give to young individuals aspiring to work in the space industry or at NASA? 

The space field is built on innovation and problem-solving, so don’t be afraid to ask questions, explore different disciplines, and step outside your comfort zone.

Alyssa Yockey

Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory Flight Lead 

Stay curious, be resilient, and never stop learning. Seek internships, research opportunities, and mentorships, as they can open doors and give you hands-on experience. Most importantly, remember that there is no single path into this industry. Whether you come from engineering, science, business, policy, or even the arts, your unique perspective can contribute to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space exploration. 

Is there a space figure you’ve looked up to or someone that inspires you?  

For me, it hasn’t been about looking up to one individual but rather being inspired by the collective effort it takes to make space exploration possible. What inspires me most is seeing how different disciplines and perspectives unite toward a single goal, often under intense pressure. That kind of teamwork and dedication motivates me to give my best and reminds me that every role, no matter how big or small, contributes to the larger success of the space program. 

Every mission is the result of countless people—engineers, divers, scientists, technicians, trainers, flight controllers, and more—all bringing their expertise together to solve complex problems.

Alyssa Yockey

Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory Flight Lead 

What is your favorite NASA memory or the most meaningful project you’ve worked on during your time with NASA? 

My favorite NASA memory is getting to witness, over multiple years, the collaboration of various NASA groups in developing the choreography for the four Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) spacewalks. It was incredible to be part of that process from the very beginning. I was lucky enough to see the very first development run at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, and then later watch as ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Luca Parmitano and NASA astronaut Drew Morgan performed those same spacewalks on orbit. Being able to see all that preparation, teamwork, and problem-solving come full circle was both rewarding and unforgettable. 

What do you love sharing about station? 

I love sharing how the space station connects directly back to life on Earth. People often think of it only as a place for astronauts to live and work in space, but it’s really a one-of-a-kind laboratory that helps us solve problems here at home. From medical research that leads to new treatments, to technology that improves clean water and sustainability, to international cooperation that shows what we can achieve when we work together—the station is a powerful reminder that exploration drives innovation and benefits everyone on Earth. 

November 2, 2025, marks 25 years of continuous human presence. What does this milestone mean to you? 

This milestone is inspiring – it represents the innovation, persistence, and teamwork required to make the extraordinary seem routine. Personally, it reminds me why exploration matters: it connects us across nations, pushes the limits of what’s possible, and builds the foundation for the next steps in our journey beyond Earth. 

If you could have dinner with any astronaut, past or present, who would it be? 

I would choose Karen Nyberg. Not only did she contribute significantly as a NASA astronaut and engineer, but she also brought a very human and creative element to her time in space. I admire how she combined her professional expertise with her passion for sewing and quilting, even creating a quilt block while aboard the space station. As someone who enjoys quilting myself, I think it would be fascinating to hear about how she balanced technical work with creative expression in such a unique environment. I imagine our conversation would cover both science and stitching, which is the perfect blend of my own interests. 

Do you have a favorite space-related memory or moment that stands out to you? 

One of my favorite space-related memories is getting to meet and chat with former NASA flight director Gene Kranz during a book signing. It was fun to hear stories firsthand from someone who played such a pivotal role in NASA’s history, and to gain insight into the dedication, teamwork, and problem-solving that make spaceflight possible. Meeting him brought history to life and reinforced why I’m grateful to be part of this field. 

What are some of the key projects you have worked on during your time at NASA? What have been your favorite? 

During my time at NASA, I first served as a dive operations training officer, where I was responsible for training and supporting divers in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory. From there, I took on the role of flight lead, supporting a range of projects including Axiom Space’s integration into the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, working with the Micro-G Neutral Buoyancy Experiment Design Teams (Micro-G NExT) student experiment design teams, and participating in various lunar operations testing events. Each of these projects has been rewarding in different ways, whether through helping commercial partners prepare for their missions, mentoring and guiding students as they see their concepts come to life, or contributing to the future of lunar exploration. I especially enjoy the challenges each project brings, as they push me to adapt, collaborate across disciplines, and continuously grow in my role. 

What are your hobbies/things you enjoy doing outside of work? 

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my husband and our pups, traveling and camping in different state and national parks. Hiking is one of our favorite ways to explore new places and take in the scenery together. At home, I like to unwind with a good book or by sewing and quilting. Quilting has become a truly rewarding creative outlet for me — I love selecting fabrics, experimenting with patterns, and watching a design come to life piece by piece. Each quilt has its own story, whether it’s made for a friend, a family member, or simply for the joy of creating something new. 

Day launch or night launch? 

Night launch! 

Favorite space movie? 

Hidden Figures. 

NASA Worm or Meatball logo? 

Worm! 

NASA and its partners have supported humans continuously living and working in space since November 2000. After 25 years of continuous human presence, the space station remains a training and proving ground for the future of commercial space stations, deep space missions, enabling NASA’s Artemis campaign, lunar exploration, and future Mars missions. 

Every day, we are conducting exciting research aboard our orbiting laboratory that will help us explore farther into space and bring benefits back to people on Earth. You can keep up with the latest news, videos, and pictures about space station science on the Station Research & Technology news page. It is a curated hub of space station research digital media from Johnson and other centers and space agencies.  

Sign up for our weekly email newsletter to get the updates delivered directly to you.  

Follow updates on social media at @Space_Station on X, and on the space station accounts on Facebook and Instagram.  

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Mary Pfister

Curiosity Blog, Sols 4716-4722: Drilling Success at Nevado Sajama

Written by Michelle Minitti, MAHLI Deputy Principal Investigator at Framework

Earth planning date: Friday, Nov. 14, 2025

From Curiosity’s ridge-top perch among the boxwork unit, the highlight of the week was the successful drilling of the “Nevado Sajama” target. The data collected by APXS, ChemCam, and MAHLI from the rover workspace and its immediate vicinity gave the team confidence to proceed with sampling. APXS and ChemCam data from two targets cleared by the DRT — Nevado Sajama (before it was drilled) and “Tesoro del Pangal” — demonstrated that the chemistry of the workspace was in family with the many ridge-top targets analyzed during the boxwork unit campaign. MAHLI imaging revealed the presence of fine veins in both targets, and also confirmed the structural soundness of the drill target after the rover engineers tested the strength of Nevado Sajama by pressing down on it with the drill tip. The types of veins observed by MAHLI were investigated by ChemCam on broken bedrock faces that exposed both bright white and gray materials. These targets, “Arenas Blancas,” “Camarones,” and “Exaltación,” will provide more insight into the fluids that penetrated the boxwork ridges, perhaps contributing to their erosion resistance. DAN collected data for long stretches across the sols over which all these activities occurred, gaining data on the hydrogen (and by extrapolation, water) content of the ridge. Mastcam began and will continue to build a large mosaic of our location which will include both Nevado Sajama and the drill target “Valle de la Luna” within an adjacent hollow. 

The rover payload was not only focused on studying the ridge and drill target, but also added to the systematic environmental dataset Curiosity has built over the last 13 years. REMS and RAD regularly recorded Martian and space weather, respectively, throughout the week. Mastcam and Navcam measured dust loading in the atmosphere, and looked for clouds and dust devils while ChemCam and APXS took turns measuring different chemical components in the atmosphere. 

The drill activity itself completed on Sol 4718. This weekend, the first portions of the drilled material will be delivered to and analyzed by CheMin. The whole team is anxiously awaiting the CheMin results in order to compare them to the Valle de la Luna mineralogy derived from the hollow below us. We hope their comparison will provide us with new insights into how the boxwork unit came to be. 

• Want to read more posts from the Curiosity team?

  
  
  Visit Mission Updates
  
  

• Want to learn more about Curiosity’s science instruments?

  
  
  Visit the Science Instruments page
  
  

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