George Emad kicks off a series of posts to see how Embedded Linux is used in outer space. The Linux OS has gain some popularity in the space domain in applications including spacecraft, nano satellites, and astrophotography.

Some applications:

SpaceX uses Linux on their primary flight computers for Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 launch vehicle, and also for their test vehicles, such as Grasshopper. Their version of Linux is based on the 3.2 kernel with real-time patches. SpaceX has also made their own mission-specific modifications to the kernel, and custom drivers have also been added. The kernel has been carefully evaluated, especially focusing on scheduler performance.

NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter, is a technology demonstration which tested the first powered flight on Mars. Mars has beyond bone-chilling temperatures, with nights as cold as minus 90 degrees Celsius at Jezero Crater (the landing site). Mars has a rarefied atmosphere — just about 1% of the density of our atmosphere on Earth.

According to NASA GitHub for the F´ project, this airborne craft is equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 801 and running Linux on board.

Read more in the articles in Embedded Related and on Hackaday.