1Solar Panel Obscuration in the Dusty Atmosphere of Mars

Abstract — There are strong indications that dust is of great importance on Mars. Dust appears to have both long-term effects on the surface geologic evo-lution as well as on the aeolian processes in the present climate conditions. Early spacecraft missions [1] confirmed hypotheses from telescopic work that changes observed in the planet’s surface markings are caused by wind-driven redistribu-tion of dust. Suspended dust is known to alter the atmospheric thermal structure and circulation as well as to obscure our ability for remote observation of the planet’s surface, especially during the occasional development of larger, planet-encircling dust storms which occur on average once every three Martian years. Because of the possible high electrostatic charge of the dust and its strong adhesion properties, its deposition onto life support equipment could damage or degrade equipment, reducing the mission duration and endangering personnel. The inhala-tion of electrostatically charged airborne dust is also a health hazard to astronauts inside the habitat. In this paper, we discuss the obscuration of solar panels by: (1) a dust cloud over the panels, causing extinction of light reaching the solar cell