There is a serious topic behind this question. However, it usually requires a lot of explanation.
Some of your guesses are correct - this does have space applications, but not in the way you think.
Suffice to say that the storage is not planned (theoretically) to be used as anything more than a commercial repository.
The reason for the vast amounts (as I keep saying) is because there will probably be only one visit to the site to install it all - meaning no upgrades.
I've been waiting for someone to ask what it is about.
Rest assured it is neitherone of the two screwy thought experiments you have postulated. It is another one entirely. Albeit one with a commercial bent.
As I said earlier the reason for so much storage is that the site needs to be built in one go. There will probably be no ability to increase the size of the facility as requirements grow. We are not pulling numbers out of the air (or counting neurons). We are simply planning ahead
Never mind the cost. Right now we are looking at the technical problems.
As I said - there will be no visits from service staff to replace/repair failed modules. Also, the site will need to be set up in one go - hence the need for so much storage all at once.
Hard drives can not be used - they would not survive the trip or the location.
Initial surveys have indicated that there will be a sufficient demand for such a service - both generally and with specialised software.
For example, with 100+ undergrad students studying aerospace enginnering there are only 20 CATIA licenses available. For general computing resources, it isn't just the availabilty but the quality, security and general maintainance of the systems available. Mechanical engineering aren't in the business of running and maintaining general PCs - yet they are forced to because the facilities on campus are insuffficient.
All this, coupled with high living expenses and the high cost of computers here (a USD700 system in the US is probably AUD2000 here - and it's not all exchange rate) means that many students don't own personal systems. And those that do don't have the specialised software.
For those with questions;
i) The Aurora rocket being developed will use liquid oxygen/kerosene for all stages so the worst real pollutants will be CO2 and H2O.
ii) The best direction to launch is east.
iii) The project is completely private. The government is simply providing a funding boost to "get it off the ground" in anticipation of job creation/taxes/exports.
iv) See here for more info
Slashdot Mirror
Wasn't NR-1 used to recover parts of Challenger's SRBs from the floor of the Atlantic?
You're the closest one yet.
There is a way to protect it from radiation though - both natural and "man-made".
There is a serious topic behind this question. However, it usually requires a lot of explanation.
Some of your guesses are correct - this does have space applications, but not in the way you think.
Suffice to say that the storage is not planned (theoretically) to be used as anything more than a commercial repository.
The reason for the vast amounts (as I keep saying) is because there will probably be only one visit to the site to install it all - meaning no upgrades.
Rest assured it is neitherone of the two screwy thought experiments you have postulated. It is another one entirely. Albeit one with a commercial bent.
As I said earlier the reason for so much storage is that the site needs to be built in one go. There will probably be no ability to increase the size of the facility as requirements grow. We are not pulling numbers out of the air (or counting neurons). We are simply planning ahead
Never mind the cost. Right now we are looking at the technical problems.
As I said - there will be no visits from service staff to replace/repair failed modules. Also, the site will need to be set up in one go - hence the need for so much storage all at once.
Hard drives can not be used - they would not survive the trip or the location.
And I am most definitely NOT Uncle Sam.
Initial surveys have indicated that there will be a sufficient demand for such a service - both generally and with specialised software.
For example, with 100+ undergrad students studying aerospace enginnering there are only 20 CATIA licenses available. For general computing resources, it isn't just the availabilty but the quality, security and general maintainance of the systems available. Mechanical engineering aren't in the business of running and maintaining general PCs - yet they are forced to because the facilities on campus are insuffficient.
All this, coupled with high living expenses and the high cost of computers here (a USD700 system in the US is probably AUD2000 here - and it's not all exchange rate) means that many students don't own personal systems. And those that do don't have the specialised software.
For those with questions;
i) The Aurora rocket being developed will use liquid oxygen/kerosene for all stages so the worst real pollutants will be CO2 and H2O.
ii) The best direction to launch is east.
iii) The project is completely private. The government is simply providing a funding boost to "get it off the ground" in anticipation of job creation/taxes/exports.
iv) See here for more info