Extra Credit
Breakthroughs in the Making

• Power Broker. When a satellite unexpectedly runs out of power, the nearest repair option may be millions of miles away. Reliable power systems will be key as space flight, satellites, and remote drones become even more routine. The University of Pittsburgh and IBM Corp. are collaborating to improve power management in future systems. Rami Melhem leads this project, involving computer technology that can endure component failure and even repair itself. Melhem is professor and chair of Pitt's Department of Computer Science and professor of electrical engineering and computer engineering. IBM donated $70,000 in specialized equipment to this venture.