Curiosity continued drill campaign at Nazca hole

NASA said Curiosity had been completing its drill campaign at the Nazca drill hole. The announcement was published Thursday 12 November 2026 and written by William Farrand, Senior Research Scientist, Space Science Institute. The Earth planning date was Friday, Nov. 6, 2026.

The Nazca area contains bedrock with disk-shaped and potato chip shaped crystal forms, according to the agency. Characterizing the chip-shaped features was a key objective. Drill samples were delivered to the Sample Analysis for Mars, or SAM, instrument while its analysis was on-going.

A Monday plan included a ChemCam LIBS observation of another crystal form named Ahi Veremos. The plan called for more Mastcam frames to fill out a mosaic of the Nazca area near to mid-field. Environmental work included a large dust devil survey, horizon movies and atmospheric zenith movies.

Wednesday's plan included two targeted science blocks. The blocks called for a LIBS depth profile of the Colca crystal form and LIBS of the Bermejo target. A long distance Remote Micro-Imager, or RMI, mosaic was planned for rock clusters below the Cordillera ridge. Mastcam collected more frames for the Nazca mosaic and additional environmental observations were made.

Friday's planning called for three sols with three targeted science blocks and a drive away from the Nazca drill site. A MAHLI mosaic was planned for the side of the block hosting the drill hole. MAHLI's nighttime white-light and ultraviolet LED lamps were planned for imaging the crystal forms at night.

Imaging of Phobos eclipsing the Sun was prioritized. ChemCam LIBS observations were planned for each sol, covering a cluster of crystal forms, a resistant layer in the side of the Nazca block and a dark float rock. The agency said a long distance RMI mosaic would cover dark lenses beneath a planar surface on the Mishe Mokwa ridge. Another round of environmental observations was planned. Friday's drive was to return Curiosity toward its southerly trending route.