Cost-cutting through standardization

Summary form only given. We believe that one significant reason for the high cost and poor performance of space-based computers is the lack of standardization. While it can be argued that the proprietary architectures of space computers are results of closed markets and political decisions, it nevertheless hinders efficient development and cost reduction. One possible way out of this situation could be to define a suitable "space-PC" architecture based on reusable industry standards, and provide major hardware and software components for free under an open-source license. Standardizing on one architecture will then free up funds, allowing one to focus on improved performance and efficient solutions to the space-related problems such as SEU and SEL.