Turns out that what caused the computers to malfunction on the space station over the past week was a static surge caused by the unfurling of a new set of solar panels. This according to Russian engineers yesterday (article here).

 

The direct cause of the computer failure was a surge in static electricity when the new solar array was unfurled.

yeah, that`ll get ya every time!

I guess it`s hard to find a good Ground up there

that must be the real reason they want a space elevator

That does pose an interesting question. Can one "ground" out electronic equipment in space such that surges can be passed harmlessly to the main structure? Is there some way one could dissipate such electrical surges?