Feature: Space technology
The evolution of space technology since the original
Apollo landing By Paul Kostek, Advisory Systems Engineer, Air Direct Solutions (infrastructure)
O
ver 50 years have passed since the first Apollo moon landing, which was achieved with less computing power than today’s mobile
phone. Since then, there have been many technological advancements, serving as a reminder of how creative humankind is. Today, the space race to the moon
is heating up, with Europe and NASA considering a new lunar mission – setting the tone for future space technological advancements. Similarly, China has already launched parts of its space station, whilst the US and partners have started defining the replacement for the International Space Station (ISS).
The first expedition Prior to the Apollo mission, computers were huge machines that filled entire rooms. Te Apollo engineers and scientists faced many engineering challenges, including how to shrink these machines to fit into modules, like the Columbia command-and-service module or the Eagle lunar module.
Prior to the Apollo mission, computers were huge machines that filled entire rooms. Microprocessors had not been yet invented, but the engineers on the Apollo programme still managed to scale down a computer to a size that could be flown into space
Microprocessors had not been yet invented, but the engineers on the Apollo programme still managed to scale down a computer to a size that could be flown into space. NASA also had to ensure that the crew of Apollo 11 returned home to Earth safely. Unlike today’s consumer technology,
computers then had to be highly reliable for a space task. Te Apollo mission used the minimal amount of code needed to launch safely. Aſter all, soſtware was still relatively new. Neil Armstrong manually landed the lunar module, which used just a couple of thousand lines of code. However, since the time of the first
Apollo landing, all space probes have been over-engineered and it may take 10-15 years to get to a planet, but the probes are designed to last for 30 years, which is incredibly beneficial for the scientists. Te evolution of space technology can
also be seen through the US space agency’s design of a new spacesuit for the latest lunar expedition, Artemis. Tis advanced outfit is far more streamlined and flexible than the original Apollo suits, and a better fit for women.
56 July/August 2024
www.electronicsworld.co.uk
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