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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: e_eriksson on October 18, 2002, 06:23:04 PM

Title: Amiga serving NASA?
Post by: e_eriksson on October 18, 2002, 06:23:04 PM
Hi!

I have a vague memory from the past that I've read something about that NASA uses (or used) Amiga computers in their work in different areas. Is that correct? If this topic has been discussed earlier I just need a link to that particular thread. Otherwise I would love if anyone could give me some info on this subject.

Thanx.

  //Erik
Title: Re: Amiga serving NASA?
Post by: Skippy on October 18, 2002, 06:31:46 PM
http://www.amigarealm.com/computing/knowledge/kb4a.htm
Title: Re: Amiga serving NASA?
Post by: Castellen on October 18, 2002, 06:34:16 PM
Yeah, I remember that.
Try this link:
http://www.amigaatlanta.org/AEcastro.html

Anthony.
Title: Re: Amiga serving NASA?
Post by: blobrana on October 18, 2002, 06:36:13 PM
I think they used Amiga`s for some of the early image processing...

Title: Re: Amiga serving NASA?
Post by: e_eriksson on October 18, 2002, 08:37:38 PM
Thnx everybody!

It was true then...cool!

But sadly I don't think that the new Amiga hardware will fulfill the Nasa-wishes in the same way as the old hardware (and software btw). The new Amiga is almost a regular PC except from the choice of processor. The old Amiga hardware was more "different" than other hardware, in my opinion that is.

Is it just me or does anyone else have a feeling that Amiga Inc's main goal is to develop the Amiga Anywhere-software? And that the hardware is more of a "please the community" trick?

  //Erik
Title: Re: Amiga serving NASA?
Post by: JaXanim on October 18, 2002, 09:28:53 PM
My personal view on Amiga Inc (which I expressed publically in
Amiga Active magazine) is that they'll slowly gravitate to where the
money is being spent (and therefore made) and that is never gonna be
the A1.

Whether that's in the PDA market or some other AmigaAnywhere
application is yet to be seen. Remember the very cosy relationship
they developed with Tau Group? Heard any Amiga related stuff coming
from Francis Charig lately?  

My forcast is that Bill McE, Fleecy, etc., will never be
able to withstand the draw of big bucks, which in this market
inevitably means MicroSoft. The scene has already been set, hasn't it!

Cheers,
JaXanim
Title: Re: Amiga serving NASA?
Post by: on October 18, 2002, 09:44:26 PM
Amiga probably served as the 'low end' desktop of some mission one time or something...
I dont see why Nasa with all its money wouldnt want SGI/Sun/etc instead even at the time.
Title: Re: Amiga serving NASA?
Post by: Kent on October 18, 2002, 10:03:12 PM
There's a great movie clip called "The Mystery of hanger AE" which houses the telemetry of all manned space flights.  Originally they wanted some high end servers but couldn't afford the cost for the number of units they were looking at, one of their employees had been toying around with an A1000 who made the suggestion to look into the possibilities.  After a very short inquiry from NASA they were flooded with high level and low level documentation on programming and core logic on the custom chipset.  Essentially if there was ever a document created for the Amiga, NASA had it.  The cost was dirt cheap in comparison to the sun, sgi, cray, and even x86 or mac alternatives at the time so they purchased more than their fair share and had quite a bit of their original budget left over.  There are still 2000's and 4000's that handle the photo shots from a distance at the launch sites, not sure if they still play a major roll in telemetry or not.  I suggest getting a copy of that video though, it's worth watching at least once.

:pint:
Title: Re: Amiga serving NASA?
Post by: JaXanim on October 18, 2002, 11:09:30 PM
The Amiga Atlanta website suggests that the Amiga has played and
probably is playing a far bigger role in NASA's projects than you
suggest.

The article entitled 'Secret in Hangar AE'
(www.amigaatlanta.org/AEcastro.html) provides pretty convincing
evidence of the importance of the Amiga to current missions, including
the Space Shuttle.

OK, it was written in 1999, but with all the cut-backs and budget
reductions faced by NASA in recent times, I bet the Amiga systems are
still providing a front line service.

Cheers,

JaXanim
http://waveguide.v-2-1.net
Title: Re: Amiga serving NASA?
Post by: JaXanim on October 18, 2002, 11:09:31 PM
The Amiga Atlanta website suggests that the Amiga has played and
probably is playing a far bigger role in NASA's projects than you
suggest.

The article entitled 'Secret in Hangar AE'
(www.amigaatlanta.org/AEcastro.html) provides pretty convincing
evidence of the importance of the Amiga to current missions, including
the Space Shuttle.

OK, it was written in 1999, but with all the cut-backs and budget
reductions faced by NASA in recent times, I bet the Amiga systems are
still providing a front line service.

Cheers,

JaXanim
http://waveguide.v-2-1.net

SORRY for the repeat post!. The cancel post button doesn't work with
V3!
Title: Re: Amiga serving NASA?
Post by: Herewegoagain on October 19, 2002, 12:26:22 AM
Ah...the old Hanger AE article....That was a real head turner.  I still love to go back and read it and look at the rack of A4ks in action at NASA.  Makes the heart warm.  
Title: Re: Amiga serving NASA?
Post by: Crispy_Beef on October 19, 2002, 12:50:38 AM
From what I remember reading, some of the guys at NASA built some Zorro boards for various dedicated functions.  Can't remember what they were though...
Title: Re: Amiga serving NASA?
Post by: on October 19, 2002, 01:39:27 AM
Quote
OK, it was written in 1999, but with all the cut-backs and budget reductions faced by NASA in recent times, I bet the Amiga systems are still providing a front line service.


they where cut backs...not 'reverse time warps' save that talk for outer space :P
Title: Re: Amiga serving NASA?
Post by: tonyw on October 19, 2002, 06:51:55 AM
@eriksson: "Is it just me or does anyone else have a feeling that Amiga Inc's main goal is to develop the Amiga Anywhere-software? And that the hardware is more of a "please the community" trick?

Yes, that's exactly what they said themselves last year. Both AOS 4 and the A1 hw are purely to please the Kommunity and make a little money. It's hardly a trick.

tony
Title: Re: Amiga serving NASA?
Post by: Elektro on October 19, 2002, 06:56:32 AM
Holy crap! Now we have Bill Gates visiting the forums!!!

Armaggedon I tells ya!!!

 :-D
Title: Re: Amiga serving NASA?
Post by: OSS542 on October 19, 2002, 07:05:46 AM
Would you happen to know where one might obtain a copy of thi s video ?
Title: Re: Amiga serving NASA?
Post by: JaXanim on October 19, 2002, 06:07:44 PM
Re: 'The Secret in Hangar AE' video.

Details are available from the author of the article at:

www.amigaatlanta.org/AEcastro.html

Cheers,

JaXanim
http://waveguide.v-2-1.net
Title: Re: Amiga serving NASA?
Post by: on October 20, 2002, 10:54:38 AM
see also:

http://www.amiworld.it/index_e.html

there's an article translated in 6-7 languages about
Amiga @ NASA, somewhere down the menu :)