Application of flash memory for use in low earth orbit

Abstract

Summary form only given. SEAKR engineering has developed a non-volatile solid state recorder for NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Review of available NV memory technologies at the time (1994) showed that semiconductor flash memory provided the best mixture of density, availability, reliability, and radiation tolerance. A Gbit recorder was delivered to NASA GSFC in June 1995 and will orbit in April 1996 on STS-77's Spartan Satellite mission. The authors present a memory trade study, rationale for selection of flash, radiation test results and orbital flight status.