Robert A. Heinlein would have been appalled it would have taken us so long.
Much of Artemis I’s success can be attributed to the meticulous preparation and testing of the Orion spacecraft’s flight software. Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor and developer of Orion, embarked on an extensive simulation program to guarantee the spacecraft’s optimal performance under various conditions. The key to these simulations was the integration of OpenStack, the open-source cloud, and RHEL, which facilitated a secure private cloud environment essential for testing and analyzing Orion’s flight software.
The same, albeit updated, software stack will be used for Artemis II, III, and beyond.
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Through the use of OpenStack, Lockheed Martin’s software developers were able to host simulation builds and test environments efficiently. This system enabled the running of multiple versions of the flight software simultaneously, enhancing hardware utilization and reducing operational demands.
The platform’s automated capabilities also played a crucial role, allowing for the quick and consistent deployment of virtual machine (VM) images and automated retirement defaults and shutdown procedures. This efficiency not only saved time but also accelerated the pace of innovation.
RHEL provided the stability, security, and performance needed for a successful simulation from launch to landing. The combined stack culminated in a comprehensive 28-day simulation that covered various scenarios, completed well in advance of Artemis I’s launch. This preparation was instrumental in NASA’s triumphant lunar mission.
As we look to the future, the focus shifts to Artemis II, slated for launch in late 2024. This mission will be a significant leap forward. With the lives of four astronauts at stake, the collaboration between Lockheed Martin, NASA, and Red Hat will be vital to ensure the mission’s success, mirroring the smooth execution of Artemis I.
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The teams are dedicated to preparing for a safe and successful flight, signaling a new era in lunar exploration. And, open-source software and Linux will have helped blaze the path to the moon.
See also
How to install Ubuntu Linux (It’s easy!)
How to run a Windows app on Linux with Wine
How to get started with Git on Linux
How to kill a process in Linux
How to install Ubuntu Linux (It’s easy!)
How to run a Windows app on Linux with Wine
How to get started with Git on Linux
How to kill a process in Linux
Article source: https://www.zdnet.com/article/fedoras-in-space-red-hat-helps-with-nasas-artemis-lunar-missions/#ftag=RSSbaffb68