AAWSAP DIRD, Quantum Computing and Utilizing Organic Molecules in Automation Technology, December 2010

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UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE 014Li
Simple organic computing based on DNA tiles will be real ized in the next 20 years. On the
40-year time horizon, useful DNA-based devices will be essential space exploration tools.
These could take the form of orbital-delivered wireless sensors searching planetary/asteroid
features or for essential compounds such as high concentrations of water. DNA computers
will be realized on the 40-year timeline. Their advantage over solid state devices will be the
ability to repair nanoscale elements damaged in normal use or by cosmic radiation. These
will not be the fastest systems in the astro-arsenal, but they may be the most robust.
CONCLUSION
We have presented an introduction to quantum computing and the technologies that
comprise the current state-of-the-art. In the 10-20 year horizon, we will see optical and
DNA-based computers realized on small production scales, but their readiness level for space
travel will be lacking. On the 40-year horizon four major advances in space-ready technology
will be seen: devices developed for optical computing will allow an all-optical computer to
augment or replace general purpose computers; optical communication will play an essential
role in hybrid designs of space-based quantum computers along with quantum dots; DNA
devices will perform simple distributed sensor data analyses; and fault tolerant DNA
computers will be available for mission-critical analysis tasks.
UNCLASSIFIED/,{EQR OEEICI\L W&E 8HtY
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