SpaceCraft Still Uses old Windows 98 Here is why

Why is the 20-year-old spacecraft still running Windows 98? Here's the interesting integration between the Mars rover MARSIS and Windows 98

 

"Windows 98 in Space? 

This is the Surprising Tech Behind Mars Express Mission

In a stunning revelation from the European Space Agency (ESA), the Mars Express mission, launched to explore the mysteries of the Red Planet nearly two decades ago, has been uncovered as an unexpected relic of technology – running on the ancient operating system, Windows 98.

This extraordinary integration between the Mars rover MARSIS and Windows 98 has left both space enthusiasts and tech aficionados scratching their heads. 

How is it possible that a spacecraft, designed for the harsh conditions of interplanetary space, still relies on an operating system that many of us haven't seen in action since the early 2000s?

The MARSIS device, a vital component of the Mars Express mission, has been at the forefront of Martian discovery, revealing crucial information about the planet's surface and even pointing us toward potential signs of water. 

Andrea Cicchetti, a key member of the Mars Express mission, emphasized the pivotal role that the two-decade-old technology played in these groundbreaking discoveries.

"It's like having a brand new instrument on Mars Express after almost 20 years," expressed Colin Wilson, a scientist working on the mission, highlighting the surprising longevity of the spacecraft.

The revelation raises the question: Why is the Mars Express mission still running on Windows 98? 

According to ESA, the need for a software update became apparent after years of continuous service. 

Carlo Nenna, a software engineer on the mission, clarified that although they faced challenges in improving the performance of MARSIS, these challenges were unrelated to the outdated Windows 98 system.

"We have recently encountered some difficulties, but interestingly, none of them were related to Windows 98," Nenna remarked.

The recent software update, successfully implemented on the Mars Express, aims to enhance the performance of MARSIS, ensuring that this relic of technology continues to provide valuable insights into the Martian landscape.

This revelation not only showcases the resilience of the spacecraft but also highlights the unanticipated symbiosis between cutting-edge space exploration and a vintage operating system.

 The mission's unexpected technological time capsule has sparked conversations among scientists, engineers, and space enthusiasts alike.

What do you think about the Mars Express mission's continued reliance on Windows 98? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.