To boldly serve where no Mac has served before... You can tell we're impressed, because it takes an awful lot to get us to split an infinitive. When we first discussed SkyCorp's plans to stick a Mac web server in space, the company was still "in negotiations" with NASA to get permission-- so, privately, we adopted a sort of "we'll believe it when we see it" sort of attitude. But now, as faithful viewer Pat points out via a SpaceRef.com article, NASA has evidently given the plan the green light, and all systems are go. Within a year, a G4-based Mac will be loaded aboard a shuttle, shot skyward, placed into orbit, and acknowledged as the very first web server in space. (Please hum "Also Sprach Zarathustra" to yourselves as you savor the moment.)

It sounds like the Mac in question hasn't been finalized yet, but at least preliminary specs have been published. First of all, there's a G4 processor running at 500 MHz, assuming that Motorola continues its Amazing Clock Speed Stasis Record. The G4 system would run Mac OS X and its bundled Apache web server software, running off a 10 GB hard drive capable of "hosting up to several thousand web sites." Communications with the G4 will be via a variant of the 802.11 wireless protocol that Apple uses for AirPort. No word on whether the Mac will be a tower or a Cube, but if we were Apple, we'd push hard for a Cube. The small footprint's perfect for a satellite, and the thing looks like it's from outer space already. Imagine the ad possibilities; now that might get some Cubes flying off the shelves.

Now, if you're thinking that this all seems like a lot of money and effort to spend just to stick a G4 into orbit, it's worth noting that the lucky G4 chosen for the mission is actually being used as a proof-of-concept-- or, as SkyCorp calls it, a "Detailed Test Objective." SkyCorp's business plan is less about charging for orbital webhosting (though you can bet we'd have cash in hand to sign up and broadcast at least part of AtAT from space) and more about constructing a system of 544 of these low-earth orbiting satellites to form the basis of a spacebound network to "offer Internet access on a global scale."

If you're wondering why the first web server in space will be a Mac, SkyCorp claims it's because Macs provide better security, reliability, and simplicity of operation. There's also the little matter of SkyCorp's CEO having emailed Steve Jobs "on a whim"-- which generated an actual response two days later; Apple has agreed to donate all the Mac hardware, as well as provide "engineering support" and a promotional push. Meanwhile, SkyCorp still seeks "commercial sponsors" to get its business off the ground. Personally, we think Apple should tap into that cash-on-hand, grab this opportunity with both hands, and hold on like grim death; it's a great way to promote Mac OS X, the G4, and the Mac platform in general as a robust, simple, and reliable solution for mission-critical applications. Provided it all works, of course.