How does a Mars rover manage to clean itself?

It doesn't clean itself. On the Mars Exploration Rover program, this was (and still is, for the Opportunity rover) particularly an issue with the solar panels, which produce less power as dust builds up on them. read more

It doesn't clean itself. On the Mars Exploration Rover program, this was (and still is, for the Opportunity rover) particularly an issue with the solar panels, which produce less power as dust builds up on them. Occasionally, however, a dust devil will pass over the rover(s) and blow the dust off. read more

And now mission scientists have released a self-portrait photo of the Mars rover. When compared with the dust coverage at its worst, the difference is nothing short of dramatic. Having just survived its sixth Mars winter, after the most recent cleaning event, Opportunity has solar panels that are as dust free as they were before it entered its first Mars winter. read more