Survived launch and major malfunctions: the computer that made history in space

Scientists have successfully operated an optical supercomputer in space for the first time, a computer that works on light beams instead of electricity, aboard a satellite. The sensitive computer survived a harsh launch, vibrations, radiation, and heat, despite numerous malfunctions — including three out of six sensors that collapsed, blinding from sunlight, and internal adhesive evaporation that weakened the laser. The team remotely adjusted the device and managed to make it work repeatedly.

Scientists have successfully operated an optical supercomputer in space for the first time — a computer that works on light beams and tiny light particles moving on a glass chip, instead of electricity and copper wires. The computer, described as delicate as 'porcelain', was mounted on a rocket, launched at high speed, and began operating inside a satellite traveling at 28,000 km/h. Researchers reinforced every part with titanium metal and strong adhesives to survive the launch vibrations. Upon activation, malfunctions emerged: three out of six sensors reading the light beams collapsed; strong sunlight blinded the device, forcing operation only during a half-hour window each orbit when the satellite was in Earth's shadow; internal adhesive in the laser source evaporated in vacuum conditions, creating a layer of dirt on the glass and weakening the light intensity. The team sent remote commands, precisely adjusted the heat to the desired level, and managed to make the light beams connect and operate according to plan. The computer successfully performed calculations repeatedly on different days. Until now, it was believed that such light technologies could only work in sterile laboratories on Earth. The proof that the device survived the journey and operated despite the malfunctions paves the way for a new generation of smart satellites that will process information at record speed directly from orbit.