Random conversation in Matt McGrath’s office a couple years ago after reading Nick Chrisman’s book we all knew

GENETRIX initiated by USAF

• GENETRIX initiated by USAF

• Camera carrying high altitude balloons launched from Western Europe, recovered in mid-air over the Pacific
• 219 balloons launched, 40 recovered
• 28 day program before cancellation
• Very significant tool to improve maps of the Soviet Union and China (8% coverage, ~13,000 images)
• Derivative of camera later used on first reconnaissance satellites

IBM invents magnetic disk storage with the IBM 305 RAMAC System

• IBM invents magnetic disk storage with the IBM 305 RAMAC System

• Motivated by the need for real time accounting in business
• The 350 RAMAC (Random Access Method of Accounting and Control) stored 5 million 7-bit (6-bits plus 1 odd parity bit) characters (~4.4 MB)
• It had fifty 24-inch (610 mm) diameter disks with 100 recording surfaces
• Data transfer rate was 8,800 characters per second