Inflight loading of the spacecraft computer erasable memory

See attached listAUG 3 196767-FM-T-56FM/Deputy ChiefInflight loading of the spacecraft computer erasable memory

1. Since we have gotten the uplink capability in the LM, some things have been done to make it possible to load the erasable memory in the spacecraft computer while in flight, but possibly not enough.

2. This note is just to let you know that we are looking into a requirement for a RTCC processor which would provide an uplink command format to restore all the critical parameters in the erasable memory. In effect, this would be the capability of loading the K-start tape while in flight. This may be necessary every time we power up the LM computer in space as well as being necessary in the event of a computer fresh start occurring in either the command module or the LM.

3. In regard to the former, I have had some indication from MIT hard- ware people that there's no assurance that the erasable memory remains unchanged once the computer power is turned completely off as it is prior to launch on all manned LM missions. We are taking steps to determine MIT's real opinion on this in writing. Computer fresh start is the situation wherein the computer is not able to restart itself for continued operation and goes into a standby mode where manual assistance is required. This might be as a result of some kind of electrical power transient or something like that.

4. As I understand it, Flight Control Division has established a requirement which is being implemented for examining the entire contents of the erasable memory, word by word, in a 1218 computer in the MCC. This computer would print out differences from those values which had been stored in it as being right. In the case of critical parameters (i.e., K-start type) deviations would be flagged out with particular emphasis. Of course, the real problem arises if critical differences are encountered since, at present, it is necessary for the flight controller to laboriously formulate a command load, perhaps during a time-critical mission phase. It is this deficiency Charley Parker and I are attempting to remedy!