Soviet 80s supercomputer project "Start"

a day ago

In 1983, Japan announced a national project to develop fifth-generation computers, focusing on enhancing system intelligence.
The USSR's State Committee for Science and Technology formed a group led by V.E. Kotov to assess the Japanese project and propose a realistic alternative.
The group developed a concept based on the MARS architecture and Soviet intellectualization tools, though it received mixed reactions from specialists.
Due to limited progress in new computer developments, the committee supported forming a creative team, leading to the creation of the temporary R&D group 'START' on April 1, 1985.
'START' was funded with 12 million rubles and over a million dollars for equipment, uniting over 100 developers from various cities.
The development plan included computers, software, programming tools, and intellectualization means, incorporating the MARS-M supercomputer project.
Key achievements over three years included MARS-T (a parallel system), the Pirs workstation, Kronos 2.6 WS, and a graphics processor based on Gamma, but MARS-M and a Kronos microprocessor set were incomplete.
Significant software was developed, such as the Excelsior OS and compilers for languages like Modula-2, Oberon, and Fortran.
Annual conferences at the 'Ivanteevka' resort facilitated collaboration, idea exchange, and discussions, aiding the project's progress.

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