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 Hematite likely controls the wavelength position of the ~860 nm absorption in Mastcam multispectral observations of drill targets.  Lab results show the ~860 nm band depth increases with ferric phyllosilicate abundance due to its ~800-1000 nm feature.  The reflectance maximum near 860 nm in pyroxene affects the ~860 nm band depth in spectra of lab mixtures and drilled rocks on Mars.

Measuring the physical properties of geological materials is important for understanding geologic history. Yet there has never been an instrument with the purpose of measuring mechanical properties of rocks sent to another planet. The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover employs the Powder Acquisition Drill System (PADS), which provides direct mechanical interaction with Martian outcrops. While the objective of the drill system is not to make scientific measurements, the drill's performance is directly influenced by the mechanical properties of the rocks it drills into. We have developed a methodology that uses the drill to indicate the uniaxial compressive strengths of rocks through comparison with performance of an identically assembled drill system in terrestrial samples of comparable sedimentary class. During this investigation, we utilize engineering data collected on Mars to calculate the percussive energy needed to maintain a prescribed rate of penetration and correlate that to rock strength.

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