RCA COSMAC 1802

The 1801 was introduced in early 1975 and the 1802 in early 1976. The 1801 microprocessor and the COSMAC architecture were the first based on CMOS chip technology. CMOS chips could be suspended to save battery life, operated in extended temperature ranges, and were more tolerate of electronic interference. It is no wonder that the COSMAC was the first microprocessor in space. The 1801 flew on an OSCAR satellite launched in 1978.