voula@utcsri.UUCP (Voula Vanneli) (03/19/85)
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
(_S_F = _S_a_n_d_f_o_r_d _F_l_e_m_i_n_g _B_u_i_l_d_i_n_g, _1_0 _K_i_n_g'_s _C_o_l_l_e_g_e _R_o_a_d)
COLLOQUIUM - Tuesday, March 26, 11 am, SF 1105
Uriel Domb, P.Eng.
Telespace Information Ltd., Toronto
"Onboard Computers for Space Applications"
_C_o_o_k_i_e_s _a_n_d _c_o_f_f_e_e _w_i_l_l _b_e _s_e_r_v_e_d
Abstract
Space missions have always required complex and sophis-
ticated computer support in order to carry out their wide
variety of tasks.
Geosynchronous satellites require a high degree of sta-
tionkeeping, near-earth orbit satellites need precision
orbit and attitude prediction, and deep space missions
depend on highly accurate navigation. In addition most of
these spacecrafts transmit vast amounts of data which they
collect by various instruments and sensors.
Until recently, theses computational functions could
only be performed on the ground by large and powerful com-
puters, but the current generation of microcomputers and
microprocessors can and have taken over their predecessors
on the ground and especially onboard the spacecrafts them-
selves.
This talk will focus on the special requirements
imposed on these computers in the environment of space, and
how these computers have evolved to carry out the complex
onboard computational loads.