Bubble Memories for Spacecraft Mass Storage Status and Potential

Abstract

A combination of solid state technology, high storage density and nonvolatility makes Bubble Memory Technology an attractive option for spacecraft system designers. It has the potential for not only replacing conventional spaceborne mass store media such as tape but also the flexibility to be configured into mass store system resembling disks providing the designer with memory organizations for space applications not previously available. The current state of this technology is assessed in terms of memory element, memory element packaging and system design with special attention to those aspects particularly relevant to space applications. Future developments in the technology and their impact on the capability and application are also considered.