Just before the robot went to sleep, it was commanded to raise itself by 4cm and rotate its main housing by 35 degrees in order to ensure the largest of its solar panel catches the most light.
Then, it was commanded to ascend to an altitude of 4.0 km to sample the feature again until ~09 49 LT (red line, label "A2," ascent 2).
Once the UAV descended to 2.75 km altitude, it was commanded to ascend again (ascent A2) to an altitude of 4.0 km, before its final descent (descent D2) to ground level.
The MoD said the Reaper was not an autonomous system and did not have the capability to employ weapons unless it was commanded to do so by the flight crew.
But we've looked very carefully at our launch system and our spacecraft and we feel very confident that it's going to do what it's commanded to do and that we're going to have a great day".
And again, once the first-stage has completed its primary tasks on that flight, it will be commanded to reignite its engines and to make a controlled return to Earth.
Although the six-wheel, 400-pound vehicle is capable of covering the distance as a day trip, it will be commanded to move deliberately and feel its way over the unknown terrain.
For example, it could be commanded to start only with an unusual gesture — perhaps drawing a circle in the air, or touching a certain number of fingers on the wall.
If Nasa and SpaceX are satisfied that the vehicle is performing well, it will be commanded to fly up and over the outpost in preparation for close-in manoeuvres on Tuesday.
It is due continue its science observations until 2017, when it will then be commanded to destroy itself in the atmosphere of the gas giant.
