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Curiosity is powered by an RTG and has no solar cells. Spirit and Opportunity where solar powered, but where expected to only operate 90 days due to dust build
by bhhaskin 6y ago
Curiosity is powered by an RTG and has no solar cells. Spirit and Opportunity where solar powered, but where expected to only operate 90 days due to dust build up on the solar cells. Solar pretty much doesn't make any sense on the moon or Mars due to the environments.
- azernik 6y agoA caveat - solar works on the Moon in certain circumstances (polar locations with sunlight most of the time), and on Mars with a bit of maintenance (Spirit and Opportunity lasted much longer than expected because of wind cleaning dust off the panels). But yes, to your general point, nuclear power has serious advantages.