The little solar powered rover that could looks set to continue its record-breaking exploration on Mars.
According to NASA, Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity now has cleaner solar panels than in any Martian winter since its arrival on Mars in 2005.
“Cleaning effects of wind events in March boosted the amount of electricity available for the rover’s work,” says NASA.
Thanks to cleaner panels and longer days, Opportunity’s arrays were generating more than 620 watt-hours per day in middle of this month; compared to less than 375 watt-hours per day in January 2014.
The solar panels can generate approximately 140 watts of power for up to four hour per Martian day. Requiring around 100 watts to drive, the rover power system includes two lithium ion batteries weighing just over 7kg each.
Solar panel systems are subjected to sometimes harsh conditions on Earth and on Mars it’s more extreme. As well as contending with major dust storms; the rover is subjected to temperatures as low as -110C.
During Opportunity’s first decade on Mars and the 2004-2010 service life of twin rover, Spirit, the project returned a range of exciting findings proving wet environmental conditions on ancient Mars; some of which were conducive to possibly supporting life.
Spirit fell silent on March 22, 2010 and recovery efforts were abandoned on May 25, 2011. Spirit’s demise was by no means a failure as the mission was originally designed to only last for 90 days.
The mission has far exceeded a previous Mars endurance record previously set by NASA’s Viking 1 Lander; which was six years and 116 days.
Dust has continually been a major threat to Opportunity – and even on Earth dust can seriously impact on the performance of solar panels. However, most residential solar panel installations receive a clean through the actions of rain.
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