After evaluating a pale, flat rock as a possible site for sample drilling, NASA has decided to abandon it and move on toward Mount Sharp. The rock, dubbed “Bonanza King” was found on August 15 and it was hoped that it would provide information about the history of the martian climate.

When candidate drilling targets are chosen, they are subjected to a variety of tests to determine whether or not it meets the criteria for successful sampling. In the case of the Bonanza King, located on the northeastern end of “Hidden Valley” slight movement occurred during a mini-drill activity on Wednesday.

It was decided that, rather than attempt to drill in the unstable rock or any other in the immediate vicinity, Curiosity will proceed toward it’s long-term destination on the slopes of a layered mountain.

“We have decided that the rocks under consideration for drilling, based on the tests we did, are not good candidates for drilling. Instead of drilling here, we will resume driving toward Mount Sharp,” said Curiosity Project Manager Jim Erickson of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California in a statement.

Curiosity will now take a route around a sandy floored valley where it was forced to turn around two-weeks ago.

“After further analysis of the sand, Hidden Valley does not appear to be navigable with the desired degree of confidence. We will use a route avoiding the worst of the sharp rocks as we drive slightly to the north of Hidden Valley.” said Erickson.

Since landing in the Gale Crater of Mars in August, 2012 the rover has travelled 5.5 miles. After driving for two more miles, Curiosity will reach the slopes of Mount Sharp, in the center of the crater where researchers hope the rocks will tell the story of the history of the martian atmosphere.