Computers that control key life-support systems aboard the International Space Station have failed, and in a worst-case scenario could force all crew members to leave. The failure of the computers, which also control navigation, is a major problem for engineers, called in to determine what caused the problem. ISS program manager Mike Suffredini admitted the computer failures could, in the worst case, force the crew to leave. But that was not something he was really worried about at this stage, and expected the problems to be fixed within the next couple of days. "We always have an option to depart," he said.
The failure occurred in computers on the Russian segment of the 16-nation space station - computers that control navigation and critical life-support systems on the huge orbital base. Without them, the station cannot maintain proper orbit and the crew cannot stay on board. ( Sydney Morning Herald)
