Magnetic tape, 3M, 6250 CPI for computer tape drives, used as storage media between 1970 and 1990 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
In 1975, NASA sent two Viking space probes to Mars. The data generated by these unrepeatable missions – produced at a total mission cost of approximately $1 billion – was recorded onto magnetic tape. Two decades later, the tapes were cracking and brittle, despite climate-controlled storage,
and the formats were unreadable. To access the data, NASA had to track down old print outs and retype everything. NASA has subsequently become one of the world’s biggest supporters of digital continuity.
Source: – “DIGITAL CONTINUITY ACTION PLAN“, Archives NZ
