Mind the GeekConference50min
Decoding the Cosmos: Voyager's 1970s Algorithms Meet Today's Cutting-Edge Tech
This talk explores Voyager’s 1970s-era communication coding, the Viterbi algorithm, and modern machine-learning approaches to decoding deep-space signals. It compares vintage engineering ingenuity with today’s tools through real examples and demonstrations, showing how classic algorithms and AI can help process interstellar data.
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Pieter van der MeerDataworkz
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Thursday, October 8, 17:40-18:30
TBA 6
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In the early 1970s, the world was grooving to disco, slide rules were essential tools for engineers, and pocket calculators were considered groundbreaking technology. During this era, NASA engineers achieved something extraordinary—they built Voyager’s data systems with incredible foresight, creating technology that could transmit signals across billions of miles and survive the noise of deep space.
Fast-forward to today, and we’re still decoding these signals. In this talk, we’ll explore how Voyager’s 1970s-era coding genius—developed without modern computing tools—collides with today’s technological breakthroughs. We’ll examine the Viterbi algorithm, a contemporary marvel from the same era, and compare it with the exciting potential of machine learning, a cutting-edge approach that could transform how we process interstellar data.
This isn’t just a history lesson—it’s an exciting adventure in algorithms and innovation. Expect examples of the science and demonstrations of real encoding and decoding methods using hardcore coding and modern machine-learning counterparts. Whether you’re a developer, a data scientist, or a space tech enthusiast, you’ll walk away with fresh insights, some serious “wow” moments, and a new appreciation for the intersection of vintage tech and next-gen innovation.
Fast-forward to today, and we’re still decoding these signals. In this talk, we’ll explore how Voyager’s 1970s-era coding genius—developed without modern computing tools—collides with today’s technological breakthroughs. We’ll examine the Viterbi algorithm, a contemporary marvel from the same era, and compare it with the exciting potential of machine learning, a cutting-edge approach that could transform how we process interstellar data.
This isn’t just a history lesson—it’s an exciting adventure in algorithms and innovation. Expect examples of the science and demonstrations of real encoding and decoding methods using hardcore coding and modern machine-learning counterparts. Whether you’re a developer, a data scientist, or a space tech enthusiast, you’ll walk away with fresh insights, some serious “wow” moments, and a new appreciation for the intersection of vintage tech and next-gen innovation.
Pieter van der Meer
Engineer at Dataworkz and a proud dyslexic, passionate about turning raw data into real-world value. I blend deep technical know-how (data pipelines, streaming, cloud, algorithms) with a pragmatist’s mindset, creativity, and a dash of humor — because good ideas come quicker when people enjoy the journey. I make complex topics approachable, whether exploring legacy space tech algorithms or building modern AI systems. Outside of coding, I’m an avid sailor, photography enthusiast, and hands-on tinkerer, always curious and experimenting. For me, code is more than logic — it’s a tool to shape ideas, solve problems, and inspire collaboration, while my personal style keeps talks lively and relatable.