New horizons computer
You're interested in learning about the New Horizons computer!
New Horizons is a NASA spacecraft that was launched in 2006 to study the Kuiper Belt, a region of icy bodies and other small celestial objects beyond the orbit of Neptune. The spacecraft is equipped with a range of scientific instruments designed to study the composition, geology, and atmospheres of the objects it encounters.
The New Horizons computer is a custom-built system designed to operate in the harsh environment of space. Here are some key features:
- CPU: The spacecraft is powered by a 12-watt PowerPC 405 CPU, which is a modified version of the processor used in Apple's G4 computers.
- Memory: New Horizons has 128 MB of RAM and 2 GB of flash memory for storing data and software.
- Operating System: The spacecraft runs a custom-built operating system called "REX" (REX is an acronym for "REX is an operating system"), which is designed to be highly reliable and fault-tolerant.
- Communication: New Horizons uses a 2-meter (6.6-foot) diameter high-gain antenna to communicate with Earth. The spacecraft can transmit data at a rate of up to 2 kbps (kilobits per second).
- Power: The spacecraft is powered by a radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG), which converts the heat generated by the decay of radioactive isotopes into electricity.
Despite its relatively simple design, the New Horizons computer has been incredibly successful in its mission. In 2015, the spacecraft flew by Pluto, providing the first close-up images and data about the dwarf planet. In 2019, New Horizons flew by a small Kuiper Belt object called Ultima Thule (also known as 2014 MU69), providing new insights into the composition and structure of these mysterious objects.
The New Horizons computer has been designed to operate for many years, and it's expected to continue sending back data and images until at least 2026.