caption for both xpe_Outcrop_RATplacement_1_blue.jpg and xpe_Outcrop_RATplacement_2_blue.jpg Plotting and Scheming These two graphics are planning tools used to plot and scheme the perfect location to place the rock abrasion tool (RAT) for the first time at El Capitan on Opportunity Ledge. The rover visualization team from NASA Ames Research Center initiated the graphics by putting two panoramic camera images of the El Capitan area into their three-dimensional model. The RAT team from Honeybee Robotics then used the visualization tool to help target and orient their instrument on the safest and most scientifically interesting locations. The blue circles are the current targets of interest for the RAT team because of the size, lack of dust in these areas, and most of all because of the scientific intrigue of these two distinct upper and lower geologic units. The rock abrasion tool is sensitive to the shape and texture of a rock, and the instrument must safely sit within its "footprint" indicated by the blue circles. The rock area has to be large enough to fit the contact sensor and grounding mechanism within the area of the outer blue circle, and the rock must be smooth enough to get an even grind within the abrasion area of the inner blue circle. If the RAT were not grounded by its support mechanism or if the surface were uneven, the RAT could "run away" from its target. Over the next few sols, these and newer, similar graphics created with more recent, higher-resolution panoramic camera images and super-spectral data from the miniature thermal emission spectrometer will be used by the rover team to pick the best spots to "rat" on the two very distinct areas of El Capitan. The upper portion of El Capitan and the lower portion have different textures and both areas should provide distinct and unique clues about the history of Mars. The rock abrasion tool will also enter the target areas from different perspectives, creating unique views simply by the way they grind into the different areas of El Capitan. For the current upper target, the RAT would go into the rock as if from the side of a layered cake, while at the bottom target, the RAT would enter from above as if going down the middle of the cake. El Capitan was named after a mountain in Texas on Earth, but on Mars, it is about 10 centimeters (4 inches) high. Scientists are eager to use the RAT to peer deeper into the history of the formation of El Capitan, and the team will spend multiple sols taking pre and post measurements of the RAT targets. Opportunity will spend one sol moving in-between target locations. Image Credit: NASA/JPL/Cornell/Ames/Honeybee Robotics Approved by Paul Bartlett 917/482-4813 and Steve Squyres Caption Writer: Christine Johnson 818/667-7853 Release Date: 2/20/04 Image file Names: xpe_Outcrop_RATplacement_1_blue.jpg (tif, txt) xpe_Outcrop_RATplacement_2_blue.jpg (tif, txt) Summary Info: Viz tool based on Pancam images Viz Image: 1P129780505IOL0338P2263LCI.wrl Viz Image: 1P129781337IOL0338P2263LCI.wrl Name of Submitter: Paul Bartlett Institution: Honeybee Robotics, New York City
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