• FauxLiving@lemmy.world
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    2 days ago

    The article leaves out that this was on Commander Wiseman’s personal tablet, a Microsoft Surface Pro and not any device associated with the mission.

    He sought tech support for internet connectivity issues on a PCD (personal computing device), which is a Microsoft Surface Pro.

    The ‘Two Microsoft Outlooks’ was a description of the issue he was having. The headline is implying that there are two machines running Outlook that don’t work.

    NASA detected that the PCD was actually on a network. It asked the commander for permission to connect to the tablet remotely so it could look into a problem with the Optimus software. “I also see that I have two Microsoft Outlooks and neither one of those are working,” Wiseman responded, per a clip shared by Niki Grayson on Bluesky. “If you wanna remote in and check Optimus and those two Outlooks, that would be awesome.”

    The source of the quotes and a better article:

    https://www.engadget.com/computing/artemis-ii-crew-is-just-like-us-needs-help-with-microsoft-outlook-issues-145230968.html

    • Kjell@lemmy.world
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      2 days ago

      Why is NASA remotely connecting to the tablet if it is a personal device?

      • tb_@lemmy.world
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        2 days ago

        'cuz they can’t very well send someone over.

        On a more serious note: that’s just the easiest way to go about it? I wouldn’t let my boss remote into my personal machine, but if I were to take it on a mission to the moon that’d be a bit different.

      • FauxLiving@lemmy.world
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        2 days ago

        I guess I should have said ‘and not on any device required for the mission’. The PCDs are personal devices for the individual’s business and convenience.

        They are for things like e-mailing, looking at mission manuals and accessing the Internet. They’re not involved in the operation of the Integrity. All of the mission-critical systems that operate the ship are purpose-built.

        But NASA doesn’t need to re-invent the wheel when it comes to e-mail and PDF reading, so they buy commercial hardware because it’s way cheaper, it works well enough and if it fails it doesn’t compromise the mission.

        • Kjell@lemmy.world
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          16 hours ago

          That makes a lot more sense. When I was reading PCD I was thinking about a private device, even if they don’t have much space and even less time I was thinking that they might bring a few small private things. Like a photo of their family, maybe a book etc.

          • FauxLiving@lemmy.world
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            16 hours ago

            On the ISS missions the astronauts have a weight allowance that they’re allowed to take. It may be the same case here.