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Insight Dust Fix

Insight Solar Panels Fold and Shake

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The solar panels on Insight fold out like a Japanese fan. If there were spaces all along the radial edges of the pizza-slice sections of the panel instead of piano hinges the entire 'fan' could be partially closed, making the panels almost vertical, and a "shaker" could be used to loosen the dust. An attempt was made to dump some sand on the panel to move the resident dust off, but it had limited success and was abandoned. But, if the panels could be brought to a vertical orientation any solution would benefit from Mars' gravity. Also, investigating electrically charging and discharging to generate some EM help moving the dust would be a good idea.

—	minoradjustments, Aug 09 2021

windscreen wipers everywhere [pocmloc, Oct 07 2021]

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—	hippo, Aug 09 2021

The electrostatic charge in the super dry Martian atmosphere seems to be stronger than the wind the props can generate. I think a micro-shaker on an almost-vertical panel would work better. Maybe both?

—	minoradjustments, Oct 07 2021

They've been sending probes to Mars for ages. You would think they would include a brush for the solar panels by now. Probes have plenty of manipulator arms for using one. Having efficient solar panels in kind-of important.

—	neutrinos_shadow, Oct 07 2021

a1, what stayed on the panels (after the sand experiment sort of worked a little) was fine, very fine stuff. Still a big problem. How was it held on? No glue, no moisture, little mechanical linkage. My bet is electrostatic. With a shake in the vertical orientation lots could be cleared away.

—	minoradjustments, Nov 14 2021

My mother used to tell us a joke about "de viper is coming"... and finally: I'm de viper. Vere are de vindows?

—	pashute, Aug 20 2023

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