XPost: sci.space.policy   
   From: kysy@erikseen.com.retro.com   
      
   By looking at the MERs the solar panels have no future in robotic   
   exploration. They need to be faced towards the sun to produce anything and   
   they require lots of space when deployed. You also need heavy onboard   
   batteries to cover the blackouts. I seriously doubt solar panels can come   
   anywhere near RTG in watts per kg comparison, especially if they operate on   
   the planet with night/day cycles.   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)