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Engineering Constraints. Ellipses: Maybe too big; problem with western wall and central mound Bulk Inertia (TES, IRTM): 323, 316 Fine Comp. Inertia (IRTM): 240 Rocks (IRTM): 15 Albedo (TES): 0.215 Elevation: -3.6 km. Conclusions.
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Engineering Constraints • Ellipses: Maybe too big; problem with western wall and central mound • Bulk Inertia (TES, IRTM): 323, 316 • Fine Comp. Inertia (IRTM): 240 • Rocks (IRTM): 15 • Albedo (TES): 0.215 • Elevation: -3.6 km
Conclusions • Gale Crater is a fascinating site. Some good science can be done, but in situ examination of layers is difficult. • Slopes, ellipse size are major hurdle. • Etched, layered, and sedimentary material are within ellipse; chances of sampling by rover not guaranteed. • Some good MER science can be done. Probably Gale is best thought of as a “grab bag site” (given where ellipse is), but one which should still yield some exciting insight into Mars sedimentary processes.