What kind of computers are used on the Voyager spacecraft?
There are three different computer types on the Voyager spacecraft and there are two of each kind. Total number of words among the six computers is about 32K. Computer Command System (CCS) – 18-bit word, interrupt type processors (2) with 4096 words each of plated wire, non-volatile memory. Flight Data System (FDS) – 16-bit word machine (2) with modular memories and 8198 words each Attitude and Articulation Control System (AACS) – 16-bit word machines (2) with 4096 words each. According to my calulations, that’s a total of about 541KB, or small potatoes compared to today’s microprocessors. We probably could perform all functions with one of today’s boards and still have room for solid state data storage and much more fault detection software. We would still need a second unit for redundancy. Today’s microprocessors are also much faster than the 1802 derivatives used on Voyager and a comparative system would use less electrical power. On the other hand, software might be more complicate
