Robots on Mars, an Empty Sample Tube and a Laser

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Several days ago, a robot on Mars selected a hollow coring bit from its tool kit, drilled into a rock, withdrew the tool and placed the core into a sample tube.

At least, that's what should have happened.

But just to be sure, Perseverance felt inside the tube and took a look before sealing it.

Oops. The sample tube was empty.

NASA's discussion of the robot's first try at collecting samples is more detailed and less anthropomorphic....

More at A Catholic Citizen in America.

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