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Computer, Heal Thyself
Researchers from Australia's Cooperative Research Centre for Satellite Systems have succeeded in building a computer that can repair itself in space, eight hundred kilometres from the nearest technician and repair shop. The scientists used a combination of smart software and components called "Field Programmable Gate Arrays" to make their remarkable self-healing satellite computer, which forms one of six experiments aboard FedSat, the Australian scientific satellite launched on 14 December last year. In what Australian researchers believe to be a world first, FedSat's High Performance Computing Experiment has detected a fault caused by stray space radiation, analysed the problem, and restored itself to full capability � all without human intervention. "Old style computers in space are vulnerable to the effects of high-energy protons and other charged particles" said Program Leader Dr Anwar Dawood. "These fast-moving particles can cause a variety of errors and increase the risk of losing control of a satellite. Our computer can automatically detect this kind of damage and can reconfigure its circuits to re-establish proper operations. Earlier this month, during a period of high radiation activity, we were able to demonstrate for the first time that this technique works". "We can also send new instructions to the computer from the ground, meaning that the system is flexible enough to be able to adapt to new tasks", added Dr Dawood. FedSat has reached six months of successful operations. It has now reached the longest operating span of any Australian-built satellite to date. Controlled from its ground station in Adelaide, the satellite supplies Australian and international researchers with daily information on space physics, satellite communications, computer systems and navigation techniques. The Cooperative Research Centre for Satellite Systems was established in 1998. It aims to strengthen Australia's space industry capacity, and focuses on relatively low-cost space projects. "The potential for adaptive and self-correcting space computers is huge", said Chief Executive Dr Andrew Parfitt. "The attractions are greater return on investment in space projects, through improved reliability and lifetime". Related Links Cooperative Research Centre for Satellite Systems SpaceDaily Search SpaceDaily Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express 
NASA, Carnegie Mellon Inspire Future Robotics Engineers
Moffett Field - Jul 18, 2003As NASA's Mars Exploration Rovers journey toward the red planet, 36 high school students are honing their engineering and programming skills during an intensive, seven-week robotics course called 'RoboCamp-West.'
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