Laptop models used:
The current PGSC ("Payload and General Support Computer") is an IBM Thinkpad 755C with 486/75, 12MB RAM, 540 disk. The ISS version will be "at least a Pentium/133, 48 Mb of RAM, and a 1.2 Gb hard drive" -- manufacturer unspecified. There has also been a DDCS ("Data Display and Control System") laptop used on some missions.
Custom programs used:
On the shuttle the laptops have been used for:Future plans call for:
- payload operations
- rendezvous navigation ("RPOP", Rendezvous and Proximity Operations Program)
- digital communications with the ground
- sending commands to the "Wakeshield Facility"
- providing a visual representation of the shuttle location with respect to other satellites (incorporating laser ranging and Ku radar data) and the ground ("WORLDMAP")
- Flight simulation/landing practice ("PILOT")
- Psychological testing ("PAWS", Performance Assessment WorkStation").
- supporting RMS operations as the processor for the Space Vision System
- Controlling the AERCam free-flying camera
- exchanging e-mail with the Mission Control Center (MCC)
- offloading digital camera images
- videoconference and white board operations between the crew on orbit and MCC.
- acting as the primary user interface for ISS systems.
Responsible people include:
This list identifies the people responsible for laptops on each upcoming mission.
Commercial concerns who have expressed interest:
- Larry Augustin of VA Research
We have had two suggestions, so far, for a project logo:
We will have a "logos" page that displays all the submitted designs, as soon as we get a design. (Note: An actual logo sample would carry a lot more weight than a suggestion.)