by
Mark Ollig
NASA
has discontinued using the Microsoft Windows OS (operating system) in computing
devices on board the ISS (International Space Station).
As
we know, an operating system is comprised of a set of software programs and
utilities which allows a computer to function correctly.
An
operating system known as Linux is now being used in the onboard computing
devices of the ISS.
The
Linux kernel, (which is the core of the Linux OS), was created by Linus
Torvalds a little over 20 years ago.
Linux
is very similar to Unix, which was developed in 1969 at Bell Laboratories, by
the AT&T folks.
However,
unlike Unix, Linux is an open-source operating system and is freely distributable
to anyone. It can be used in individual computers, and computer servers
connecting multiple users.
Linux
is compatible with most personal computers and hardware platforms.
The
ISS’s onboard computer laptops and mobile devices need a reliable and stable
operating system. The astronauts depend upon them for many things, such as
knowing their location above the Earth, inventory control, interfacing with the
onboard cameras, performing maintenance, and day-to-day operations.
I
learned 52 onboard computers are controlling various ISS systems.
The
Debian 6 graphical user interface OS version of Linux has been installed in the
ISS’s onboard computers.
“We
migrated key functions from Windows to Linux because we needed an operating
system that was stable and reliable,” said Keith Chuvala of the United Space
Alliance, who is contracted by NASA to maintain the Operations Local Area
Network (Ops LAN) on board the ISS.
Stable
and reliable. I am sure many of us can relate to the frustrations we’ve endured
whenever our computer freezes up, or a program stops working.
The
training needed to migrate from Microsoft Windows to Linux, was provided by the
Linux training staff via the Linux Foundation.
Courses
which were “geared specifically for the USA/NASA team’s needs” included two
tailor-made sessions: Introduction to Linux for Developers, and Developing
Applications for Linux.
In
2008, a computer worm virus called W32.Gammina.AG spread itself across some of
the space station’s computers. It originated from a USB-infected flash drive
which had been brought from Earth by an astronaut.
Of
course, not even Linux operating systems are immune from intentionally
malicious software or malware files designed to damage (or even disable)
computers and computer systems.
However,
since Linux is an open-source OS, software patches and programming code fixes
can be quickly uploaded to the ISS for resolving any computing software
problems, or programming issues.
Debian
for Linux is a free, open-source OS anyone can install and use. For more
information, check out their Website at http://www.debian.org.
Linux
software is also being used to control the actions of a robot serving on board
the ISS.
NASA
began serious experiments for using robots in space during the early 1990s.
The
first “Robonaut” was built in 1997 by NASA and other partners.
In
2007, General Motors worked with NASA on the next generation of Robonaut called
Robonaut 2, or R2.
R2
includes a vision system allowing it to see objects, and very dexterous
human-like arms, hands, fingers, and thumbs.
Robonaut
2 is able to manipulate very small items; like the screws holding a panel
cover.
The
miniature sensors throughout R2’s hands can detect even the smallest changes in
pressure.
Robonaut
2, the first robot (torso) in space, has been on board the ISS since its
delivery by the crew of the final flight of the space shuttle Discovery, on
Feb. 24, 2011.
R2
was “turned-on” and displayed movement for the first time inside the ISS Oct.
13, 2011.
Measuring
air-flow from vents inside the Destiny laboratory module connected to the ISS
is just one of the duties Robonaut 2 has performed.
The
routine tasks R2 can accomplish independently will provide more time for the
ISS crew to work on space exploration and scientific experiments.
Later
this year, Robonaut 2 will be fitted with an internal battery pack and robotic
legs for climbing.
NASA
plans include having R2 assisting astronauts working outside the ISS as they
add or replace components, conduct experiments, and make needed repairs.
More
information about Robonaut 2 can be found at its NASA homepage
http://tinyurl.com/R2home.
“The
space station, including its large solar arrays, spans the area of a US
football field, including the end zones, and weighs 924,739 pounds. The complex
now has more livable room than a conventional five-bedroom house, and has two
bathrooms, a gymnasium and a 360-degree bay window,” according to NASA’s ISS
facts and figures web page.
I’ve
imagined taking a trip to the International Space Station and being inside its
dome-shaped, Cupola Observation Module while looking down at the Earth through
its 360-degree viewing windows.
I
hope you can check out this photo of astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson, who
appears deep in the thought while looking out the cupola’s windows and gazing
at the Earth. It can be seen at http://tinyurl.com/ISSCupolaview.
For
more information about the International Space Station, visit http://tinyurl.com/ISSmain.
The
Linux Foundation is a nonprofit association dedicated to promoting the
development of Linux software. It is located at http://www.linuxfoundation.org.
