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Author
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Topic: NASA computers found in Pittsburgh home
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Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-15-2017 08:41 AM
A pair of Apollo-era NASA computers and hundreds of tape reels have been found in a deceased engineer's basement in Pittsburgh, according to a NASA Office of the Inspector General (OIG) report released in response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. At some point in the early 1970s, an IBM engineer working for NASA at the height of the Space Race took home the computers—and the mysterious tape reels. A scrap dealer, invited to clean out the deceased's electronics-filled basement, discovered the computers. The devices were clearly labelled "NASA PROPERTY," so the dealer called NASA to report the find."Please tell NASA these items were not stolen," the engineer's heir told the scrap dealer, according to the report. "They belonged to IBM Allegheny Center Pittsburgh, PA 15212. During the 1968-1972 timeframe, IBM was getting rid of the items so [redacted engineer] asked if he could have them and was told he could have them." ...Most of the tapes were not labelled, but "of the tapes that were labelled, the content appeared to be space science related with missions including Pioneer and Helios and the inclusive date range was 1967-1974." A NASA archivist at Goddard Space Flight Center assessed the magnetic tapes and found them to be in poor condition. Almost all were affected by moderate to severe mold. The archivist's final recommendation: Destroy the tapes. "There is no evidence that suggests this material is historically significant... I recommend disposal through the immediate destruction of all magnetic tapes." |
Buel Member Posts: 649 From: UK Registered: Mar 2012
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posted 07-15-2017 06:13 PM
Robert, what are your thoughts on the historical significance, or lack of, of the tapes? |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-15-2017 07:54 PM
Without more information, I have no reason to disagree with the assessment performed by the archivist at Goddard Space Flight Center. | |
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Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.47a
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