On Wed, 8 Nov 2023 09:15:39 -0800 (PST), StarDust <
csoka01@gmail.com>
wrote:
On Monday, November 6, 2023 at 5:37:18?PM UTC-8, Rich wrote:
Because it uses an RTG as a power source, not stupid solar panels which on Mars would be caked with dust in short order, rending the rover DEAD.
https://phys.org/news/2023-11-nasa-curiosity-rover-clocks-days.html
What's the cost of RTG vs Solar?
?
It can add tens of millions of dollars to a mission. Maybe hundreds.
Because not only are RTGs expensive, but they are much more expensive
to launch because of safety issues.
They also are, in many respects, poor choices for rovers or any
devices with high power requirements. RTGs often provide less power
than is practical with solar panels, so in high power designs they are
limited to periodic operation with pauses to charge batteries, which
are then the providers of high power.
The bottom line is that every mission is unique, and the choice of
power is very carefully considered, with all the pros and cons of
each, including budgetary. But Rich is a one trick pony, who thinks
one solution fits everything. Oh.. and he's also a fanatical shill for
the oil industry, so he hates solar power at every level.
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