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Mars Winds Clean Spirit's Solar Panels Again

Posted by timothy on from the like-mom-making-the-bed dept.

Titoxd writes "In a blast from the past, NASA reports that Spirit's solar panels have received a much-needed cleaning courtesy of the Red Planet. The report states, 'The cleaning boosts Spirit's daily energy supply by about 30 watt-hours, to about 240 watt-hours from 210 watt-hours. The rover uses about 180 watt-hours per day for basic survival and communications, so this increase roughly doubles the amount of discretionary power for activities such as driving and using instruments.'"

4 of 269 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Next time . . . by jellomizer · · Score: 0, Redundant

    Or a windshield washer for the solar panels.

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  2. Include cleaners next time? by againjj · · Score: 0, Redundant

    Maybe next time, NASA should include some type of cleaning devices, so that when the panels get dusty, then a brush or something could wipe the panels. Sure, it's more weight, but it could increase the productivity of the mission.

  3. Re:Next time . . . by againjj · · Score: 0, Redundant

    A post below gave this link: http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2008/11/why-dont-the-mars-rovers-have.html

  4. Re:Next time . . . by MobileTatsu-NJG · · Score: 0, Redundant

    Wrong. But, whatever, it affects you more than me.

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    "I like to lick butts!" by MobileTatsu-NJG (#32700246) (Score:5, Informative)