THE INTRODUCTION OF A DIGITAL COMPUTER ON BOARD ESRO SCIENTIFIC SATELLITES

Abstract

ESRO requirements for a stored program general purpose digital computer for use on board satellites are discussed, and a machine which fulfils these requirements is briefly described. This computer has an ADD time of 2.8 microseconds and uses a 16 bit word. Power consumption is estimated at 10.6 Watts and mass is expected to be below 5 Kg. The interface between the computer and the telemetry and telecommand system is discussed, and problems foreseen in reprogramming the computer in flight via the spacecraft telecommand link are briefly exposed.