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Space Transportation and the Computer Industry: Learning from the PastSince the space shuttle began flying in 1981, NASA has made a number of attempts to advance the state of the art in space transportation. In spite of billions of dollars invested, and several concerted attempts, no replacement for the shuttle is expected before 2010. Furthermore, the cost of access to space has dropped very slowly over the last two decades. On the other hand, the same two decades have seen dramatic progress in the computer industry. Computational speeds have increased by about a factor of 1000 and available memory, disk space, and network bandwidth has seen similar increases. At the same time, the cost of computing has dropped by about a factor of 10000. Is the space transportation problem simply harder? Or is there something to be learned from the computer industry? In looking for the answers, this paper reviews the early history of NASA's experience with supercomputers and NASA's visionary course change in supercomputer procurement strategy.
Document ID
20020073111
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Merriam, M. L.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Rasky, D.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 2002
Publication Information
Publication: 26th JANNAF Airbreathing Propulsion Subcommittee Meeting
Volume: 1
Subject Category
Space Transportation And Safety
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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