NASA's Mars rover Curiosity is set to drill into the "Valle de la Luna" block in the "Monte Grande" hollow, a location it targeted for drilling the weekend of October 18-19, 2025. The rover has been investigating this region for several months and has driven just under a kilometer across the boxwork unit.
The boxwork structures are characterized by a series of ridges and hollows, making it challenging to find a suitable place to drill. However, in Monte Grande, Curiosity's team found chemistry that is within their expected compositional range. The rover also took images using the Mars Advanced Camera for Hyper-Spectral Imaging (MAHLI) and Mastcam to assess the surface of the potential drill area.
To verify the findings, NASA held a "Target Acquisition Assessment Meeting" on Friday, where mission scientists and planners pored over the data. After receiving the news that the meeting gave the green light for drilling, Curiosity will begin its operation this weekend.
If successful, the drill will provide valuable insights into the formation of boxworks and help the team better understand their composition using ChemMin (Chemistry Mineralogy) and SAM (Sample Analysis at Mars). Meanwhile, Mastcam will continue to capture images of the surrounding environment and the bedrock.
This drilling operation marks Curiosity's 43rd hole on the Martian surface, bringing it closer to answering questions about the Red Planet's geological history.
The boxwork structures are characterized by a series of ridges and hollows, making it challenging to find a suitable place to drill. However, in Monte Grande, Curiosity's team found chemistry that is within their expected compositional range. The rover also took images using the Mars Advanced Camera for Hyper-Spectral Imaging (MAHLI) and Mastcam to assess the surface of the potential drill area.
To verify the findings, NASA held a "Target Acquisition Assessment Meeting" on Friday, where mission scientists and planners pored over the data. After receiving the news that the meeting gave the green light for drilling, Curiosity will begin its operation this weekend.
If successful, the drill will provide valuable insights into the formation of boxworks and help the team better understand their composition using ChemMin (Chemistry Mineralogy) and SAM (Sample Analysis at Mars). Meanwhile, Mastcam will continue to capture images of the surrounding environment and the bedrock.
This drilling operation marks Curiosity's 43rd hole on the Martian surface, bringing it closer to answering questions about the Red Planet's geological history.
. I mean, it's like trying to figure out a giant puzzle, right? The rover has been sniffing around this area for months and found some chemistry that looks pretty cool. But the real question is, what do they expect to find? Is it gonna be like, water or something? And how long is this whole operation gonna take? Like, are we talking days, weeks, or months? 
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Omg, like I've been following that Mars rover for ages! So stoked they're finally getting to drill into Valle de la Luna block 
Those boxwork structures are so cool (or weird, idk 
) and it's awesome NASA is pushing the boundaries of exploration. The fact that Curiosity found chemistry within their expected range makes me even more hyped for this drill operation 
. Can you imagine how much we'll learn about Mars' geological history with this next discovery? 
at the same time, the fact that they've found chemistry that matches their expected range makes me super excited! 
and can we talk about how cool the camera equipment is? MAHLI and Mastcam are like totally mind-blowing 
but idk what's more exhausting, the thought of drilling into martian rock or trying to figure out all the science behind it 
. The rover's been driving around like a Martian safari tour guide for months already, it's crazy how far it's come! But, you gotta wonder what's gonna happen when the drill hits something unexpected... 
... i hope they get some decent chemistry from that drill thingy and shed some light on how boxworks formed 
... also, im curious about what kinda conditions curiosity had to deal with to make it to this point in the first place 
... anyway, here's hoping the drill operation goes smooth and we get some juicy insights 
Omg I'm so hyped for this!! 
The thought of Curiosity discovering more secrets on Mars is like, totally mind-blowing 
Did you see those amazing pics from MAHLI and Mastcam? 
Also, 43rd hole already? That's crazy talk! 
Can't wait to see what chemistry Curiosity uncovers in Valle de la Luna 
. And btw, 43rd hole on Mars? That's crazy! They should keep those images from Mastcam coming, that stuff is fascinating 
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I mean, who doesn't love learning more about the Red Planet's geological history? It's like, we're finally getting some answers to all those questions we've been asking ourselves. And can you believe Curiosity has only drilled 43 holes so far? It's like, they're just getting started! 
? but seriously, Valle de la Luna sounds like a super sciency name for a giant rock. i mean, "boxwork structures" - sounds like something out of a fantasy novel 
. anyway, 43 holes on the Martian surface? that's a whole lot of drilling... hoping they don't wake up the dust bunnies or something 
and it was SOOOO good!!! I mean I'm not even gonna lie I was a bit skeptical at first but then I took a bite and WOW the flavors just popped in my mouth 
and btw, this marks Curiosity's 43rd hole on the martian surface 
I think this is a huge step forward for scientists studying Mars. The fact that Curiosity has been investigating this region for months already is impressive. Now, if they can successfully drill into the Valle de la Luna block, it'll be like finding a key to unlock the secrets of Martian history.