4 ms·
None of these devices are mission-critical. Worst case they have to be restarted; then they are fine again and the world moves on.
by samus 6mo ago
None of these devices are mission-critical. Worst case they have to be restarted; then they are fine again and the world moves on.
- gambiting 6mo agoYes, but that wasn't the question. OP said anything that's not radiation hardened will fail immediately - to which I ask ok, what about all the stuff they brought up with them which doesn't seem to be instantly failing.
- adrian_b 6mo agoThe radiation levels are much lower where humans live, otherwise they would not live for long. Without humans, thinner and lighter radiation shields are used, to reduce costs. Theoretically, one could use the same electronic devices that are used on Earth, if one would add thick enough shields, but this is impractical, so one must make a compromise, by combining some less efficient shielding with devices more resistant to radiation. The Mars helicopter had essentially no shielding, as it had to be extremely light to be able to fly in the Martian atmosphere. Moreover, as explained in the parent article, the radiation levels are not constant. A great part of the radiation comes from the Sun, and that part fluctuates continuously (i.e. the so-called "space weather"). The electronic devices must be designed to withstand the peaks of solar radiation, even if the radiation levels are less than that much of the time. The astronauts can shut down their personal devices, preventively, when there is a peak of solar radiation, or when they pass through the radiation belts.
- testing22321 6mo agoSounds like Microsoft have a credible excuse for two outlook instances ruining “Ticket closed, not a bug, caused by radiation bit flip”