Computer Support Blog

As technology and communications systems improve, all levels of society feel the effects.  In the case of young women growing up, the world is nowhere near as limited as it once was.  Now, instead of dreaming of being a happy homemaker or a teacher, girls are learning that virtually any career path is open to them.  Now, girls dream of growing up to become scientists, CEOs and President.  One girl who grew up believing that the sky was the limit for her future was Catherine Coleman; she became an astronaut!

Catherine Coleman is an American astronaut who had one of the most prestigious tours of duty aboard the International Space Station.  In her 159 days in space, most of which were aboard the International Space Station, she served with distinction during the most traffic the International Space Station encountered since its creation.  As the lead robotic arm operator for the International Space Station, Coleman was indispensible with docking the supply ships, space shuttles and other vehicles when they came close to the Station!

How did Catherine Coleman get to the position where she could become such an important astronaut?  After getting her B.S. in chemistry from M.I.T., Coleman worked hard and pursued her Doctorate in Polymer Science and Engineering.  She received her PhD in 1991.  While pursuing her higher education, she joined the Air Force.  While volunteering for centrifuge experiments for the Air Force, Coleman set new endurance and tolerance records that brought her to the attention of NASA.  She was hired by NASA shortly after receiving her Ph.D.

Initially, Coleman’s position at NASA was intended to be one of support, aiding in the technical development of systems that would be used in space by other astronauts.  When she illustrated real aptitude with manipulating the robotic arm and other robotic systems, NASA prepared her for spaceflight.  After waiting as a standby for a few missions, Coleman went into space as part of one of the Microgravity Laboratory missions and later as the lead specialist for deploying the Chandra X-Ray Observatory.  Her successful execution of those missions, in combination with continually developing her expertise in robotics and other sciences, made her an ideal choice to serve on the International Space Station.

As chief science officer during her mission to the International Space Station, Catherine Coleman conducted important experiments in physics, biology, chemistry, and robotics.  While in space, she even had time to practice her flute, which she played for a performance on National Public Radio!  With her well-rounded career, scientific and artistic interests, and determination to excel, Catherine Coleman is a great role model for girls and young women everywhere!

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

It might seem obvious, but computers perform essential functions aboard the International Space Station and it is no surprise that computer support and computer repair are essential functions of the astronauts and cosmonauts who travel to the station.

The computer system aboard the International Space Station is a blend of technologies from several different countries, mostly the United States and Russia.  Since a computer worm infected the International Space Station in 2008, data on the operating system for the International Space Station has been classified.  Most computer support experts believe that, like the space shuttle, the operating system for the International Space Station is unique, custom written for the space station.

What is not a mystery is that the computers aboard the International Space Station have required quite a bit of computer support from personnel on Earth and computer repair from the astronauts and cosmonauts visiting and living on the station.  The International Space Station was assembled from at least sixteen modules from at least six countries over the course of a decade.  As a result, the International Space Station received computer support with every mission to connect the conflicting systems.  Networking the computers has been one of the top priorities each time a mission brought a new computer system to the space station.

With the computer network growing with each mission, astronauts and cosmonauts have brought laptop computers with them on the latest missions to provide computer support.  The astronauts and cosmonauts use the laptops to upgrade the outdated aspects of the station’s network.  Each new mission to the space station involves computer repair and adjustment.  Because the laptops are more modern, they often provide computer support to the newer modules and experiments brought up to the station.

For example, experiments like taking images of the oceans require computer support from the upgraded systems.  On August 12, 2011, the Naval Research Laboratory utilized an experimental payload designed to take images of oceanic topography to create a truer map of the Earth below the oceans.  The computer support system was integral to acquiring and processing the images from the advanced sensor array.  The sensor from the experiment could map the bottom of the ocean.  Because of the power of the sensor, computers are aiding in the exploration of the planet.  In a way, computers are protecting human life from environmental conditions where manned exploration is too hazardous.

While details on the exact programming of the computers aboard the International Space Station remains closely guarded, one thing is clear: like terrestrial computers, the computers aboard the International Space Station require frequent computer repairs and computer support from trained professionals.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com