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Hello CSTART,

Like many others, I am from Reddit (Mutiny34).

I am a software developer/computer programmer analyst and would love to render my services to CSTART for its software/programming needs. I am a specialist in Artificial Neural Networks and Artificial Intelligence, though I do not suppose that would be of much use here. However, I am excited to lend any hand I can to enable CSTART to be a phenomonal success.

I typically work with Visual Basic .NET, C#, and C++. However, in regards to software development and design, specific programming language knowledge is of little importance. Any good programmer should be able to traverse almost any higher-level language given that they have a firm understanding of proper data structures and software design principles. Different languages are merely different syntax and different libraries.

I understand that, no worries. I had a feeling whatever work was done would possibly be in a different language than what I already knew. I am curious what other space ventures use for their own software.

I was aware they used java in the Spirit and Opportunity rover missions, but not for their onboard computer systems. It would seem to me that they would use a much lower level language given its importance to be correct and the fact that the systems were designed long ago.

However, I do know that the shuttle does use a community of 4 or 5 on-board computers that are all loaded with the same software and run the same commands at the same time. Essentially, this community of computers calculate the same things and then when a decision is to be made by the computer, such as increasing power to the thrusters, they all actually "vote" on what should be done. Now, they don't really vote, like we think of it, but the idea is that all of the computers should come up with the same results. If, however, a particular computer does not come up with the correct results, either by hardware failure, latency, or radiation gaffe, it will not be of too great concern because the other computers running will out-vote that malfunctioning computer and the correct decision will be made regardless. Its a failsafe design given that 3 or more computers do not gaffe at the same time.