The Mars Rover operates on a finite amount of energy generated by its solar panels, thus the rover’s efficiency suffers as fine electrically charged martian dust accumulates on the solar panels. Our primary task at hand is to collaborate with Professor Frolic and the UVM Physics department to aid in constructing a test chamber to effectively experiment new methods of clearing dust from solar panels. Furthermore, we will also assist in designing a ‘self-aware’ system that will detect which solar panel(s) are being affected by the dust to then properly remove it.
