Voyager Probe
I saw this meme and figured I’d comment.
Not quite but not far off. A little bit less memory and an earlier version of FORTRAN (Formula Translation System). The probe is still active.
The probe was launched in 1977 with preliminary development starting in the 60s. FORTRAN77 hadn’t yet been developed; if FORTRAN, probably a version of FORTRAN IV. The 6 computer system – built of essentially Texas Instrument’s 7400 series TTL CMOS (more likely the 5400 series) – has a total of 32k memory made of what could be considered specialized layered PCB traces. And yes, it did have an 8-trak tape recorder – though not of the type found in cars of the late 60s/early 70s.
Of the 6 custom computers, 2 18-bit word units were dedicated to the command system (each 4096 words), 2 16-bit 8198 word units were for the flight data, 2 18-bit 4096 each units were for attitude control. The command system has been operating continuously since 1977 – the control electronics did not include a microprocessor (my hoopty-doo up-to-date computer system has to be re-booted every so often, usually at inconvenient times). Power is provided by what is essentially a nuclear reactor.
Both Voyager probes are still fully active although the isotopes providing power are expected to decay beyond usefulness in 2036. Having been designed before computers changed from being assistance tools to controlling elements, and when design engineering depended more on empirical data rather than models, it is no wonder these over-achieving probes are still active.
FORTRAN was the first compiled computer language being developed in 1956. It is still among the top 10 computer languages in use today.
1. “Live long and prosper.” – The Vulcan salute that transcends space and time, mostly said by Spock. It’s like saying, “May the odds be ever in your favor,” but for space geniuses.
2. “Beam me up, Scotty!” – Despite never being said exactly like this in the original series, it’s what you shout when you’re ready to ditch a party early.
3. “Resistance is futile.” – The catchphrase of the Borg, perfect for when someone refuses to share their fries with you.
4. “I’m giving her all she’s got, Captain!” – Scotty’s way of saying, “I’m trying my best here!” Use it when your internet is slow, and you’re trying to stream your favorite show.
5. “Space, the final frontier…” – The opening line that gets every Trekkie’s heart racing. It’s the cosmic equivalent of “Once upon a time…”
6. “To boldly go where no man [no one] has gone before.” – The mission statement of the Starship Enterprise, and possibly what dogs think when they venture into the kitchen.
7. “It’s life, Jim, but not as we know it.” – A line famously misattributed to Spock, it’s what you say when you see a new TikTok trend.
8. “Highly illogical.” – Spock’s way of saying, “That makes zero sense.” Perfect for when your friend suggests pineapple on pizza.
9. “Engage!” – Captain Picard’s way to say, “Let’s roll!” Ideal for starting anything, from your car to a new adventure.
10. “Make it so.” – Another Picard classic, for when you decisively agree with someone’s suggestion.
(cont.)
11.”He’s dead, Jim.”, what McCoy says when someone dies.
12.”Dammit Jim, I’m a Doctor not a (fill in the blank)!”, what McCoy says when faced with an impossible goal.
14.”She can’t take any more, Cappin!”, What Scott says when Kirk demands more power than the Enterprise can muster at that moment.
15.”Bones.”, is what Kirk calls Doctor McCoy.
I linked this the other day, but here it is again and it’s worth looking at:
Captain James T Kirk in a completely different role that, is you don’t already know, proves beyond a shadow, his acting prowess. FWIW, Shatner had been an actor for at least 15 years prior to Star Trek.
Million Dollar Hospital
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHPsMFxXGes&t=159s
Yes, of course it’s a blueprint, silly!
I’ve had easily 50 or more emailed messages back and forth with cartoonist Ben Garrison since early March when he drew the spooky vapors of Allan Dulles drifting from a trunk in an attic labeled “JFK Files.” I wish I had purchased that original from him but it was snatched up immediately. Garrison is a very interesting dude to chat with. The Minneapolis massacre got us writing a lot this past weekend and we agree the SSRI drugs cause people to go stark raving mad. Here’s an old toon from years back that Ben sent me that accommodates ghost’s submittal. This toon is more a criticism of the covid vaxx than the SSRI but those same criminal pharma agencies are sending too many to a final frontier.
Not quite FORTRAN! Voyager’s 3 types of onboard computers were and are programmed completely in their respective assembly languages. It’s widely claimed online that the computers were programmed in FORTRAN 5, but the origin of the claim was actually referring to the original ground system software written in FORTRAN V and running on mainframes. (In line with your suggestion, FORTRAN V was Univac’s enhanced FORTRAN IV compiler.)
The 2 command system computers and 2 attitude control computers were built with TTL chips, probably the military-grade, radiation-hardened 5400 series like you said. Those 4 computers had the layered PCB traces for memory (plated wire). The 2 flight data computers were built with CMOS chips, both for the processors and for memory.