voula@utcsri.UUCP (Voula Vanneli) (02/20/85)
University of Toronto Department of Computer Science (SF = Sandford Fleming Building, 10 King's College Road) COLLOQUIUM - Tuesday, February 26, 11 a.m., SF 1105 Uriel Domb, P. Eng. Telespace Information Ltd. "Onboard Computers for Space Applications" (Coffee and cookies will be served.) Abstract Space missions have always required complex and sophisti- cated computer support in order to carry out their wide variety of tasks. Geosynchronous satellites require a high degree of stationkeeping, near-earth orbit satellites need precision orbit and attitude prediction, and deep space mis- sions 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 computers, but the current generation of microcomputers and micriprocessors can and have taken over their predecessors on the ground and especially onboard the spacecrafts themselves. This talk will focus on the special requirements imposed on these computers in the evnironment of space, and how these computers have evolved to carry out the complex onboard com- putational loads.