This is proof that the stability of Linux has reached the point where it is useful in extremely error intolerant situations.
First off, NASA has just asked SGI (Silicon Graphics) to supply them with a 10,240 Intel Itanium 2 Processor Supercomputer running the “Space Exploration Simulator” on Linux. The new system will be used to chart space, help spacecraft designers and chart human effects on weather patterns.
See The Inquirer and The Register for more.
In other news, several departments of the University of New South Wales (in Australia) have been working together for several years on a 10 kilogram satellite that looks like it will be running a cut down version of an embedded Linux operating system. Linux is perfect for such uses as being open source, they can review the source code, make improvements and modifications and remove anything unneeded for the tasks at hand. TechWorld has the story. I wonder how long it will be before somebody creates a logo of Tux the Linux mascot penguin in a spacesuit (if they haven’t already).
Regards
Franki
