They could sit back and watch their 80 percent budget spend continue to creep up just to keep the lights on and keep existing systems functional.

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Today's advanced communication capabilities have made operating systems more functional, enabling the construction of large-capacity, high-speed wireless communication infrastructures.

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But there are some regulatory barriers to overcome before those systems could be functional here.

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Later this week, the astronauts will undock and redock the Shenzhou 9 from the space module, to verify their their systems are still functional.

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Outside lines, through a satellite phone, have at least been functional--although most computer systems are down.

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Second, how can you discourage existing systems that are not functional?

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All of these systems then need to be integrated into a functional robot, which is a lesson in itself.

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