What was the scientific goal shifted to, thanks to Opportunity's extended operation beyond 90 sols?
Answer
Mapping the extent of the former aquatic environment and establishing chronology.
Because Opportunity vastly outlived its initial three-month operational window, the scientific objectives evolved significantly. Instead of focusing solely on the primary goal of confirming the presence of water signatures, the extended mission allowed researchers to pursue a much broader geological context. The additional years of operation enabled scientists to undertake epic treks, map the overall scope and extent of the ancient aquatic environment, and construct a more robust geological chronology for the region by sampling diverse rock types and ages across different traverse points.
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How Opportunity Shocked NASA Scientists | Supercut - YouTube
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