Opportunity makes fast tracks

Opportunity has been setting all kinds of speed records lately, using its onboard autonomous navigation capabilities to cover the smooth, undulating plain of Meridiani at an unprecedented clip. Over one three-day stretch it covered 390 meters, mostly on its own brainpower. (My New Scientist story is here).


The view ahead: a very shallow 90-meter diameter crater, with a white rim, is just ahead in this picture taken yesterday.



Opportunity looks back at the tracks of its rapid run.