A 1990s iMac Processor Powers NASA’s Perseverance Rover (gizmodo.com)

i can imagine the mars rover using a modern Apple processor: (message comes up on screen in nasa mission control) "this version of hardware is no longer supported. We will be rendering it useless in 5 months from now."

I know absolutely nothing about this, but a PowerPC processor from 1998 seems extreme. You'd think wrapping a normal CPU (or 10, all double checking each other) in gold mesh, lead or whatever would work just as well. Or maybe a couple of rare-earth magnets strategically placed to give the same type of magnetic barrier the Earth gives us would work?

I'll assume the people who just landed an SUV-sized robot on a dime from 12 light minutes away know what they're doing, but it's curious to me.

Actually it's the RAD750 that runs this machine. This is specifically hardened for the rigours of space and Mars. An ordinary 750CX would just curl up and die. I still have an iMac equipped with a 750CX and it seems so ancient compared to my Threadripper!