• Kjell@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    4
    arrow-down
    1
    ·
    20 hours ago

    Why is NASA remotely connecting to the tablet if it is a personal device?

    • FauxLiving@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      6
      ·
      12 hours ago

      I guess I should have said ‘and not on any device required for the mission’. The PCDs are personal devices for the individual’s business and convenience.

      They are for things like e-mailing, looking at mission manuals and accessing the Internet. They’re not involved in the operation of the Integrity. All of the mission-critical systems that operate the ship are purpose-built.

      But NASA doesn’t need to re-invent the wheel when it comes to e-mail and PDF reading, so they buy commercial hardware because it’s way cheaper, it works well enough and if it fails it doesn’t compromise the mission.

    • tb_@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      18
      ·
      18 hours ago

      'cuz they can’t very well send someone over.

      On a more serious note: that’s just the easiest way to go about it? I wouldn’t let my boss remote into my personal machine, but if I were to take it on a mission to the moon that’d be a bit different.