Astronauts are bringing computers to space—and IT troubles, too
The Artemis II mission now underway aims to send three Americans and one Canadian back to and around the moon, a journey that will mark humans’ farthest trek into space in decades. The program is one of a series of endeavors, including next-generation space stations, a lunar habitat, and even a manned Mars mission, that will vastly expand human presence in outer space. Critically, these missions are all certain to involve spacey versions of consumer technologies, which have now become a fixture of life in space. (Astronauts aboard the International Space Station use laptops and smartphones.) Yet such modern conveniences also create a host of IT issues. On the latest Artemis II mission, astronauts—again, also with smartphones—had to reach out to mission controllers experiencing issues on their systems. The culprit: Microsoft Outlook. Indeed, making computers work in space can be difficult. This includes issues related to the microgravity environment, as well as challenges related to communication networks, since signals back to Earth can be limited—and slow. There is, after all, no live tech support when you’re on the moon, or even Mars. “When we’re colonizing something like the moon or eventually going to Mars, I think it brings in lots of complexities,” Manoj Leelanivas, who serves as president of HP Solutions, which frequently works with NASA on in-space hardware, explains. “In the computer environment, typically you assume liquid cooling or air cooling. You look at the standard principles of convection, which don’t really apply in space. You have to deal
The Artemis II mission, currently underway, marks a significant milestone in space exploration as it aims to send three American astronauts and one Canadian back to and around the moon. This journey, the farthest trek into space by humans in decades, is part of a broader series of endeavors that include next-generation space stations, a lunar habitat, and even plans for a manned Mars mission. These ambitious projects will dramatically expand human presence in outer space, relying heavily on space-adapted versions of consumer technologies that have become essential in space. Astronauts aboard the International Space Station, for instance, use laptops and smartphones as part of their daily operations. However, these modern conveniences also introduce a range of IT challenges that need to be addressed.
On the latest Artemis II mission, astronauts, equipped with smartphones, encountered issues with their systems that required communication with mission controllers. The problem stemmed from Microsoft Outlook, highlighting the complexities of operating consumer-grade technology in space. Designing computers and IT systems for space travel is not without its challenges. The microgravity environment poses unique problems, such as cooling systems that rely on liquid or air convection, which do not function effectively in space. Additionally, communication networks are limited and slow, making real-time tech support nearly impossible when astronauts are on the moon or Mars.
Manoj Leelanivas, president of HP Solutions, which frequently collaborates with NASA on in-space hardware, explains that colonizing the moon or Mars introduces numerous complexities, particularly in the computer environment. "In the computer environment, typically you assume liquid cooling or air cooling. You look at the standard principles of convection, which don't really apply in space. You have to deal with the radiation," Leelanivas notes.
Fast Company recently spoke with Leelanivas about the challenges of building computers for space and how this work might evolve as manned missions become even more ambitious.
"Designing a workstation for space, or microgravity, is different from designing one for Earth," Leelanivas begins. "First, you have to consider the physical environment. In microgravity, traditional cooling methods become ineffective, so you need to think about alternative solutions. Radiation is another significant factor; space-based computers must be shielded to protect against radiation damage, which can cause malfunctions and data loss.
"Moreover, the design of space computers must account for the limited resources available on spacecraft. Everything must be lightweight, compact, and energy-efficient. The hardware and software must be highly reliable, as there is no room for failure in the harsh environment of space.
"Communication is another critical aspect. The delay in signals traveling between Earth and spacecraft can range from a few seconds to several minutes, depending on their positions. This delay complicates real-time interactions and requires robust, autonomous systems that can operate independently for extended periods.
"As we move towards manned Mars missions, the challenges will only intensify. The longer duration of the journey and the need for self-sustaining habitats will demand even more advanced IT systems. These systems must be capable of adapting to unforeseen circumstances and maintaining functionality in an environment where traditional support structures are unavailable.
"In conclusion, the development of space-ready computers and IT infrastructure is a complex and ongoing process. It requires innovative solutions to address the unique challenges posed by microgravity, radiation, and communication delays. As human presence in space continues to expand, so too will the need for robust and adaptable IT systems that can support these ambitious endeavors."
The Artemis II mission and future space exploration initiatives underscore the importance of overcoming these IT challenges to ensure the success of manned missions. As we venture further into space, the reliance on advanced technology will only grow, necessitating continuous innovation and problem-solving to overcome the obstacles that lie ahead.
