A SSD (flash-based) doesn't need to be powered. Finding a computer that has a SATA/IDE interface to read it back out after 50 years is an interesting problem,

A SSD (flash-based) doesn't need to be powered. Finding a computer that has a SATA/IDE interface to read it back out after 50 years is an interesting problem, however. [update] Spansion quotes 20 years minimum. Under optimum conditions (whatever they may be) and with an adequate amount of redundancy, 50 years should be achievable. Spansion single-bit-per-cell floating-gate flash devices are designed to provide 20 years of data retention after initial programming when exposed to a 125° C environment. Spansion two-bit-per-cell MirrorBit flash devices are designed to provide 20 years of data retention after initial programming when exposed to an 85° C environment. Both MirrorBit flash and floating gate flash are guaranteed to provide 20 years of data retention after initial programming when exposed to a 55° C environment. MirrorBit flash is guaranteed to retain data for up to the minimum guaranteed cycles (10,000). [F]loating gate is guaranteed to retain data after the guaranteed minimum of 100,000 cycles. http://www.spansion.com/Support/AppNotes/EndureRetentn_AN_A0.pdf http://www.spansion.com/Support/AppNotes/EndureRetentn_AN_A0...