Bubble memories for spacecraft mass storage - Status and potential

The current state of bubble memory technology is reviewed in terms of memory element, memory element packaging and system design with special attention to those aspects particularly relevant to space applications. Current technology offers devices with 100-Kbit capacities and storage densities of the order of 2.5 x 10 to the 6th bits/sq in. with 1 Mb devices with storage densities of 10-million bits/sq in. available by 1985. Current programs directed toward space applications have proven the system concepts required for space mass memory systems and should see the qualification of system bit weight and volume densities of 2.2 x 10 to the 6th bits/lb and 1.2 x 10 to the 5th bits/sq in.