this post was submitted on 02 Apr 2026
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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.
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.
On the ISS missions the astronauts have a weight allowance that they're allowed to take. It may be the same case here.