The rock abrasion tool on Spirit drilled the first human-made hole in
a rock on MarsÉEVER!

"The RAT performed beyond our expectations," beamed Steve Gorevan, of
Honeybee Robotics, New York, lead scientist for the rock abrasion
tools on both rovers.  ÒWith the docile cutting parameters we set, I
didnÕt think that it would cut this deep.  In fact, when we saw
virtually a complete circle, I was thrilled beyond anything I could
have ever dreamed.  Following up that glorious circular brushing Ð
itÕs like back-to-back homers."

This image, taken by Spirit's panoramic camera shows the circular,
2.65 millimeter hole that will be further examined by the microscopic
imager in the coming sols.

Although Gorevan and his team took a few moments to celebrate, they
have already begun thinking about making more holes.  The rock outcrop
that Opportunity is heading toward has had the RAT team salivating
since it was first revealed.  With the first successful drilling under
their belts, they are anxious to sink their teeth in again.

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email from Guy Webster:

Attached are tif and jpg of an image that can be released this morning 
(Saturday) or whenever possible afterwards.Ê Approved supplemental text for 
"daily image" description of the image for marsrovers site is also 
attached.ÊÊ The caption for the image is below.
-- Guy (cell 687-7708)

Caption for released image "rat_post_grind":

First grinding of a rock on Mars

The round, shallow depression in this image resulted from history's first 
grinding of a rock on Mars.  The rock abrasion tool on NASA's Spirit rover 
ground off the surface of a patch 44.5 millimeters (1.75 inches) in 
diameter on a rock called Adirondack during Spirit's 34th sol on Mars, Feb. 
6, 2004.  The hole is 2.65 millimeters (0.1 inch) deep, exposing fresh 
interior material of the rock for close inspection with the rover's 
microscopic imager and two spectrometers on the robotic arm.  This image 
was taken by Spirit's panoramic camera, providing a quick visual check of 
the success of the grinding.  The rock abrasion tools on both Mars 
Exploration Rovers were supplied by Honeybee Robotics, New York, N.Y.

Image credit: NASA/JPL/Cornell