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Hubble Repairs Hindered By Antiquated Computer Systems

Posted by Soulskill on from the you-should-see-the-sputnik-abacus dept.

Andrew Moseman writes "Part of the trouble NASA is encountering while fixing the Hubble Space Telescope comes from the fact that it's been up there for nearly two decades, and therefore carries computer systems long outdated here on Earth. 'One of the main computers that the Goddard team has been struggling with during the repair attempts runs on an Intel 486 chip, the height of 1989 technology.' Many of NASA's long-running missions rely on antiquated systems — the Voyager probes each have about 32k of memory — but the scientists say they can manage."

9 of 193 comments (clear)

  1. Memory by Duct+Tape+Jedi · · Score: 5, Funny

    well if the Hubble has at least 640k memory it should be fine. . . .right?

    1. Re:Memory by camperdave · · Score: 3, Funny

      It's not that. They're linked up, but all they are seeing on the screen is:


      C:\>_

      and for some reason the mouse doesn't move.

      --
      When our name is on the back of your car, we're behind you all the way!
  2. I feel their pain by TheModelEskimo · · Score: 5, Funny

    I sent my Amiga 500 into orbit in 2001 using a homemade trebuchet (granted, quite a large one) and a very high mountain. It broadcasts the Pinball Dreams high score list every two hours on the hour. The problem is, the last time I went up to do some improvements (long story) I had forgotten a few vital 68000 assembler directives, so I was unable to make the transition from antiquated late-80s desktop computer to cutting-edge ASAT weapon. Too bad, now the 10kT warhead I attached to it is probably just sitting there, twiddling its sub-critical materials.

    1. Re:I feel their pain by alchemist68 · · Score: 3, Funny

      I'll donate my Timex/Sinclair TS 1000 (4MHz Zilog Z80A) with 2K RAM & 16K RAM pack, cassette recorder, cables, and TV switch box, plus it runs on 9V DC!

      I'll tell ya, I wouldn't mind unloading this thing, it's a bitch loading and saving my CV from/to cassette these days - it's difficult to find cassettes! It takes 15 minutes to load the word processor I found in COMPUTE magazine back in 1982, another 15 minutes to load/save the CV, AND, it's even more fun printing to the Timex/Sinclair 2040 roller tape thermal printer, but it makes a really great server since it can't be hacked, and moreover, it uses very little energy! I just creatively tape two rolls of thermal paper on a 8.5" x 11" paper and make a Zerox of the CV - fools most experts into thinking I did this with MS Office or Open Office! When they here how I did everything, I've cinched the JOB!

      I still program in assembler code! Do you?

  3. You know you are getting old... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    ...when you think Hubble is an astronomer.

    I read the headline and thought there were complications during poor Edwin's double knee replacement.

    1. Re:You know you are getting old... by cheater512 · · Score: 4, Funny

      Windows has detected a new piece of hardware:

      Hubble Telescope

      Would you like to try and find the driver on Windows Update?

  4. Re:Upgrade by Hal_Porter · · Score: 5, Funny

    Can't they just remodulate the shield harmonics or reverse the polarity of the neutron flow or something?

    --
    echo -e 'global _start\n _start:\n mov eax, 2\n int 80h\n jmp _start' > a.asm; nasm a.asm -f elf; ld a.o -o a;
  5. As If.... by SageMusings · · Score: 4, Funny

    It's common knowledge 486s (and their variants) were pulled from the classified wreckage at Roswell NM earlier last century. Trust me, they've had plenty of time to work with those babies.

    Glad I could help clarify that.

    --
    -- Posted from my parent's basement
  6. Re:Upgrade by fireman+sam · · Score: 4, Funny

    Good God man, if we do that, we could turn all matter into doesn't matter, then nobody will give a fuck.

    --
    it is only after a long journey that you know the strength of the horse.