2007-03-09 08:22:29 · 10 answers · asked by Wang Hung 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
some components are really old, yes
but its not the 70's its more the 80's stuff
i remember there was a call for 80186 processors some time ago.
fact is, that components used, must be approved before someone risks his/her life with it. Its the same with aviation in general.. you cannot imagine how much it costs always getting certificates for minor changes you do here and there.
Therefor its just normal to 'fly the old junk' cause it can be trusted, it was tested to the bone.
2007-03-09 11:18:27 · answer #1 · answered by blondnirvana 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't sell it short just because it is "old".
From a Reliability standpoint, modern microprocessors with 70 nanometer transistor trace widths, and 100-atom-thick insulation wouldn't survive 5 minutes in space without getting a radiation "hit" and (at best) resetting, or (at worst) getting destroyed completely.
Granted, there have been major strides in making some of the more recent technology hardened to radiation, but I'd take good old 10 micron CMOS and TTL, in outerspace, any day of the week.
BTW, even though the built-in computers, controllers, and other avioncs in the shuttle contain '70s technology, the astronauts still carry the latest and greatest laptops on board, and they use them to make navigational decisions, and other shuttle-related calculations.
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2007-03-09 08:45:01 · answer #2 · answered by tlbs101 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hi. Yes. Every component on the shuttle has to be proven flight worthy before NASA will bet lives on it. The newest computers are MUCH faster, but not proven flight worthy.
2007-03-09 08:40:51 · answer #3 · answered by Cirric 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is how the equipment is built to perform. Only with 1970's technology. They still are a few billion dollars away from using todays technology.
2007-03-09 08:31:10 · answer #4 · answered by wineasy03 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The computers used by NASA are also used by the Dharma Initiative on the Island. You have to punch in the code every 119 seconds before disaster strikes.
2007-03-09 08:30:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh gawd yes. It goes to show just how risk averse and bureaucratically stupid the manned space program is these days. We spend more and more money to run that damn clunker every year. Thank God it's being put out to pasture in 2010. Sigh...we need the NASA with the gumption of the Apollo days!
2007-03-09 08:28:11 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am pretty sure the computers have been upgraded. They are constantly doing upgrades to the Shuttles, which is one reason they cost so much to operate.
2007-03-09 09:21:22 · answer #7 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No the 80's
2007-03-09 08:58:58 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are so archaic, the code for each mission has to be completely wiped an rewritten.
"Be afraid, very very afraid."
2007-03-09 08:34:54 · answer #9 · answered by quntmphys238 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Have you never heard the expression, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"?
2007-03-09 09:13:25 · answer #10 · answered by Helmut 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋