Post #2299441
2024-04-23 06:35 UTC
So I guess a little orientation: there are 3 computer systems on Voyager, each one dual redundant.
The CCS (Computer Command System) is the probe's brainstem, it runs the overall show, afaict it's the one receiving and routing commands. It's an adapted CCS from the Viking program, and built to last. Notably, it uses plated wire memory. Similar to magnetic core memory, slower and low density by today's standards, but non-volatile and unbothered by harsh space weather.
Replies (1)
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@danderson@hachyderm.io 2024-04-23 06:38
The AACS (Attitude and Articulation Control Subsystem) is another mild variant of the Viking CCS architecture, and is in charge of orientation: firing thrusters, antenna alignment, all that good stuff. Finally, the FDS (Flight Data Subsystem) is where the science happens. The FDS buffers data from the instruments (to an honest to god eight-track tape), and encodes it into frames for transmission, with all the error correction and what have you.