XPost: sci.space.policy, sci.physics   
      
   In sci.physics Rob  wrote:   
   > Serigo  wrote:   
   >> there is no reason for man to go to Mars.  It is rocks and sand in a   
   >> vaccum. no food, no water, no air.   
   >>   
   >> send a robot.   
   >   
   > Indeed.  However, I always wonder why they don't equip those robots   
   > with brushes to wipe the solar panels and camera's.  That would not   
   > be a problem when men go along, but it would be an expensive way to   
   > achieve the same thing.  (wiping the thing clean after a duststorm)   
      
   Because the equipment to do it would have been big and heavy.   
      
   Also absent water to wash off the dust, there would be the very real   
   danger of cumulative scratching due to abrasion being much worse than   
   the dust.   
      
      
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   Jim Pennino   
      
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