The environment near the Martian surface consists of a low-pressure carbon dioxide atmosphere which probably contains airborne electrostatically charged dust particles. It has been hypothesized that this dust might be attracted to operating solar cells, consequently obscuring light and reducing solar array power output. A Mars environment was therefore simulated and experiments run in order to determine the effects of charged and uncharged dust on solar array performance. Results were analyzed and showed there would be no effect on the viability of JPL's Mars Pathfinder power system.
schematic representation of the experimental apparatus with solar array (S/A)
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