http://marsmobile.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/raw/?s=1Raw stowed navcam images looking dusty. I'm starting to get concerned about the dust issue, the vehicle must be covered in it.
NASA has lots of experience with dust and Martian landers. It's not anything that hasn't been considered in the design process.
Remember also that it uses an RTU for power rather than solar so is not susceptible to power loss from dust on the panels, unlike MER.
Quote from: Thunderbird5 on 08/07/2012 04:25 pmRemember also that it uses an RTU for power rather than solar so is not susceptible to power loss from dust on the panels, unlike MER. Actually, getting dust on the RTG radiator does significantly lower its efficiency.