When the ISS was being project , its architects wisely conclude that establish forcible interfaces into the structure of the ISS was not a adept idea . It ’s very hard to upgrade and/or reanimate port that are part of the fomite , whereas if laptop computer computers are used , upgrading or mend is as dim-witted as establish a CD - ROM , upload a filing cabinet , or replace the laptop computer . So with the exception of emergency ironware ( e.g. ventilation valves ) , comm panels , and a circumscribed set of other hardware , almost all vehicle commanding is done via a laptop computer interface .
There are , last time I checker , about 80 laptops deployed throughout the ISS . Most of them are Lenovo T61P laptops , but there are still a few old Lenovo A31p Thinkpads float around .
The formatting of the laptop computer depends on its assigned function . On the US section , command to the fomite is done using laptop call PCS ( Portable Computer System ) . They carry on a linux operating system and are connected to the vehicle 1553 system as distant terminals . There are normally seven PCS laptops deploy throughout the vehicle .
On the Russian Segment there are about seven equivalent laptop computer called , simply , “ Russian Laptops ” . They , too , are linux found , and are used to command the Russian elements .
Both the PCS and Russian Laptop use their own graphical user interface that depict the ISS and the bunch fall into place on the module they wish to interact with and the organisation , and then the specific bit of hardware .
There are eight laptops in the Japanese modules that are allow for by JAXA and utilise their own interface and there are two in the European modules that use their user interface . There are about a dozen laptops used for warhead operations .
The remaining laptops are part of the Ops Lan connection . They are called SSC ( Station Support Computers ) . They are Windows based and are not connect to the ISS 1553 system . They are used for everything from consider procedure , perform supply inventory , recording eminence , sending e - mail , television conferencing , on down to Twitter .
In the above word-painting , three laptop screens are seeable . The closest to Shannon ’s head is being used to view the procedure for the robotics activity she is performing . The one above and to the right of that is current expose the SSC screen background . She is probably using that one to view the mission timeline . In the bottom correct corner of the picture is a PCS . It looks like she has navigate to the US Airlock page , and while nothing is currently in alarm , it looks like she has a caution message to acknowledge . It looks like there was a abbreviated red of comm with a index supply .
We can also see a few of the built - in ISS interfaces , in this picture . Over the hatching is the Caution & Warning Panel and directly to the right of Shannon ’s expression is the ATU ( Audio Terminal Unit ) ( radio receiver / intercom ) . And , of course , the big panel in front of her is to control the robotic arm and external cameras .
Here ’s an example of a system page ( my organization , Motion Control ):
This screenland give a wellness and status overview of the Motion Control Group ( combined US MCS and RS СУДН ) . Starting from this screen , the gang can get at and control any spell of direction , navigation , control , and actuation hardware and software on the fomite ( well , Russian hardware commanding would need to be done from their laptop computer ) .
Top image via NASA
How are laptops used on the International Space Station?originally appeared onQuora . you may keep abreast Quora onTwitter , Facebook , andGoogle+ .
This response has been lightly delete for grammar and clarity .
QUORASpace
Daily Newsletter
Get the undecomposed technical school , science , and culture news in your inbox daily .
News from the time to come , redeem to your present tense .
You May Also Like
