[sf-lug] International Space Station Linux Migration

[John Magolske]

Looks like the International Space Station will be migrating from
Windows to Linux. The first humanoid robot in space (R2) will be
running on Linux as well:

  It's hard to get tech support 400 kilometers away from the Earth,
  which is why Keith Chuvala of United Space Alliance, a NASA
  contractor deeply involved in Space Shuttle and International Space
  Station (ISS) operations, decided to migrate to Linux. As leader
  of the Laptops and Network Integration Teams, Chuvala oversees the
  developers in charge of writing and integrating software for the
  Station's "OpsLAN" -- a network of laptops that provide the ISS
  crew with vital capabilities for day-to-day operations, from telling
  the astronauts where they are, to inventory control of the equipment
  used, to interfacing with the cameras that capture photos and
  videos.

  "We migrated key functions from Windows to Linux because we needed
  an operating system that was stable and reliable -- one that would
  give us in-house control. So if we needed to patch, adjust or adapt,
  we could."

  [...]

  Along with the ongoing laptop support, a new challenge for
  Chuvala’s team is headed to the ISS -- Robonaut (R2). Designed to
  take over some of the astronaut’s responsibilities, R2 will be the
  first humanoid robot in space. Running on Linux, the robot can be
  manipulated by onboard astronauts with ground controllers commanding
  it into position and performing operations.

http://www.linux.com/news/featured-blogs/191-linux-training/711318-linux-foundation-training-prepares-the-international-space-station-for-linux-migration


-- 
John Magolske
http://B79.net/contact