NASA modded space station's laptops so everyone could use the same charger — standardizing ISS chargers eliminated useless weight and reduced failure points
NASA ensured that all laptops destined for use in the International Space Station had the same 'cannon' power connector by implementing a modification.
NASA modified laptops destined for the International Space Station (ISS) to eliminate the need for multiple chargers, standardizing power connectors across all devices. Engineer George Roush recalled this change, explaining that a single "cannon plug" connector was implemented instead of various chargers, making it easier for ISS visitors to connect their laptops.
This modification removed obsolete modem ports that had no use in space and replaced them with a new power port. The decision to standardize chargers was driven by the need to save weight, reduce failure points, and optimize resources in the harsh environment of space. Lockheed Martin was contracted to make these modifications to laptops such as ThinkPads and other machines sent to the ISS.
The technology used on the ISS in the late 1990s, when modems were still essential for PCs, has since evolved, but the standardized power connectors remain a crucial aspect of space technology.
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