BIT FLIPS

BIT FLIPS 

A Serious issue

I am pretty much sure that everybody reading this page must be aware of the two words "BITS" and "FLIP". BITS are the basic elements of computer language. Computers communicate in ones and zeros also known as bits. On the other hand, FLIP means to turn over with a quick movement. Hence, BIT FLIP means converting zero into one and one into zero. Simple! A bit flip occurs when you're exchanging data and one or more bits get fliped, and the data gets corrupted. 

The question arises that how is it related to Rockets? Well, it does connect to rocket science. Since we are aware of the fact that SPACE is full of radiations. One of the ultimate sources of radiation is the godly sized sun. Yes, the SOLAR RADIATIONS. Others arising from distinct unknown sources have a common term named Cosmic radiations. The spacecraft rotating earth in orbit will send a bunch of messages, each consisting of 100 bits and a few more. There is an infrequent burst of space noise that can cause numerous flips and can sometimes create serious issues. 

Imagine how many changes would take place if you are sending a text from Mars to Earth. Twenty minutes journey and minimum 2-3 bit flip appear. 

MODERN APPROACH TO THE PROBLEM: 

Modern space crafts use a smarter method. The space floating body is equipped with not one, but four different processors. All four processors work on the same process at the same time. Hence if any one of them gets hit by space noise, the other three will report an error and rectify the issues themselves. Thanks to machine learning and artificial intelligence. 

Now, how do you detect if the 100 bits data exchanged has some bits flipped or not? 

Well, a solution could be to count the number of 1s in the message. If it's even, let the 101st bit be 1 or if the number of 1s is odd, let the 101st bit be 0. Interesting isn't it! Hence rectification of errors gets easier. 

What if the 101st bit got flipped LOL! 
Can you find an answer to it? Put it down in the comments.