Science Forums 2

[TheBigDog]

Our lander is going to act as a sort of server/device controller for the moon expedition. It is going to need a computer as a backbone for this job. What I am envisioning is a solid state PC with a host of USB ports. There is no need for audio, video, keyboard, or mouse. The computer will be controlled via a webpage that it hosts. When communications are established with Earth it will give those connected the ability to transfer files and command the rovers. It will support multiple sessions at a time.

We need a team who will spec out this computer system. I figure it will come in two versions; a low power version for the rovers and a higher power version for he lander. It needs to be capable of operating in the extreme low temperatures and with minimal power requirement. It does not need fast processing, just enough to support the mission.

It will be linked to accessories and power them. The moon based communications will be of the 802.11 standard, so the USB ports will power these radios on the lander and the rovers. There will also be a host of cameras, which will also be of the USB type for power and linkage with the rovers and lander.

We should be able to test this whole system here on Earth. When it arrives on the moon it will have a longer lag, but the control should already be familiar to us. The software can be developed on standard systems and tested. We don't need the special computers until we have some funding down the road.

So, who is interested in being on the lunar computer and software team?

Bill