Why don't NASA's $800 million Mars Rovers have solar panel cleaners?
Although I have a CYNICAL suspicion for why NASA doesn't have solar panel cleaners for its upcoming $800 million dollar Mars Rovers, so that the missions could seemingly last much longer, perhaps there's a scientifically compelling justification?
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2003-06-08-mars-rover_x.htm
says:
"The rovers' missions are expected to last three months but could run longer. They eventually will shut down as dust builds up on their solar panels."
Would it not seem that NASA's more eager to perpetuate our "need" for it than it is to save taxpayers money that will be necessary for future rovers?