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Beyond Earth: Programming Languages For the Space
What programming languages are used in space and why?
We may imagine complex mathematical equations and cutting-edge technologies when we think of space exploration. However, at the heart of every space mission lies the code that controls the spacecraft, its sensors, and its instruments. This post will explore some of the programming languages used in space and why they were chosen.
C
C is a low-level programming language widely used in the aerospace industry. It is fast and efficient, making it a good choice for space applications where computing resources are limited. Additionally, C is highly portable and easily adapted to different hardware platforms.
One example of a space mission that used C is the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, launched in 2005. The spacecraft carries a 12.5 MHz RAD6000 computer with 128 MB of memory and 160 MB of flash memory. The computer’s operating system and software were written in C.
Advantages: Fast and efficient, highly portable.
Disadvantages: Can be challenging to learn and prone to errors.
