To: downtownconservative
I think the moral is that a vehicle the size of a Buick can’t drive around using solar panels for power. If NASA could have used solar in this case, I’m sure they would have; it would surely be less expensive.
To: Joseph Harrolds
NASA would have used PV solar if they could because of politics - not cost. The solar array for Curiosity and it's batteries would dramatically increase the size, throw weight, etc. of the project. The PU generator is small and has a very high density energy production. Nuclear power generation of electricity is far lower cost on earth than PV solar, so why wouldn't it even be more so on a planet with less sunlight and a very simple radioisotope electric generator?
11 posted on
08/18/2012 5:57:57 AM PDT by
103198
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson