This raw image shows SHERLOC’s cover (bottom center) stuck partially open, or partially closed, whichever (hopefully closed). This image was from sol 1041. I see more raw images tonight that still show SHERLOC taking vague and foggy images, the same as the ones posted before and after this raw image. I’m assuming this is still an issue. What’s the level of concern? What options do they have?
Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
This was in the January blog…
“Unfortunately, a SHERLOC issue during these proximity science activities left the arm unstowed and prevented us from driving away. The team has since stowed the arm, Mars 2020 engineers have been working to diagnose the issue, and the rover has resumed driving.”
It’s a pretty big issue if they can’t operate it. Part way open it only sees the reflection of the lens , so If that can not open it fully it’s dead in the water as a science camera. The motorised cover is a built to print copy of the MAHLI camera on MSL (Curiosity Rover) Curiosity had similar issues with its MAHLI cover a couple of times, but the team were eventually able to resolve the issue. They don’t like stowing the arm while the cover is open as dust raised by the drive wheels would contaminate the lens with the cap partially open. But the fact they drove several hundred meters with the cap partially open means it is a serious issue and probably a different fault to that seen on MSL.