NASA Telescope Computer Down

Discussion in 'Random Nonsense' started by booman, Jun 24, 2021.

  1. booman

    booman Grand High Exalted Mystic Emperor of Linux Gaming Staff Member

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    I thought this was an interesting article
    https://science.slashdot.org/story/...hats-causing-computer-issues-on-the-telescope

    This computer was built in the 1980 and launched into space in 1990

    Clearly it has been reliable, but I have a few questions:
    • How do you fix it remotely?
    • What operating system is it running?
    • Has it been hacked?
    • Will a reboot fix it?
    • Does it need a firmware update?
    • Will NASA replace it with a Raspberry Pi?
    booman, Jun 24, 2021
    #1
  2. cloasters

    cloasters Moderator

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    Darned good questions. AFAIK, they fixed it but I don't recall how. So is this computer even a 286? The Shuttle ran on 386's, iirc.
    cloasters, Sep 26, 2021
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  3. booman

    booman Grand High Exalted Mystic Emperor of Linux Gaming Staff Member

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    Probably, or something older... ha ha
    booman, Sep 27, 2021
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  4. danrok

    danrok Administrator Staff Member

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    The 80286 was released in 1982 then the i386 in 1985.

    Either would have been more than capable of controlling equipment.
    danrok, Oct 12, 2021
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