Meet Clarissa, HAL's better half
posted Jun 28th 2005 7:32AM
Only four years late, scientists aboard the International Space
Station are set to get a voice-responsive computer, which will initially be used to monitor the safety of onboard water
supplies. Developers hope to eventually deploy "Clarissa" to handle tasks throughout the station. Proponents are quick
to point out that Clarissa is nothing like that other space-station computer. "Clarissa is more friendly and
is not going to go renegade on us," says Beth Ann Hockey, a NASA developer, who also serves as the source for
Clarissa's voice. We hope she's right. Clarissa is already able to listen in on everything astronauts say aboard the
station, something that we seem to recall that other computer using to its advantage. Might be a good idea for the crew
to play it safe and bring along a few bottles of Poland Spring, just in case.
Look, as long as it has enthusiasm for the mission...
Yes, but does she "explain it all"?
Hello Dave, how are you today?