Linux in space: Nasa migrates international space station to Linux

jeremy · 11-12-2015, 02:05 PM

Quote:

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.” With the transition to Linux looming, Chuvala turned to the Linux Foundation’s Linux training program for help.

Expert training produces seamless Linux migration
With a goal of getting his team up to speed on developing applications in Linux, Chuvala was looking for solid training that would address various skill levels. The Linux Foundation’s training staff arranged two courses geared specifically for the USA/NASA team’s needs: Introduction to Linux for Developers and Developing Applications For Linux. Both training sessions were adapted to provide tailored instruction for the diverse group.

Dominic Duval, the Director of Enterprise Training, was able to leverage the group’s mixed backgrounds, augment their existing knowledge with Linux-specific skills, and prepare them for developing apps related specifically to the needs of the ISS. Chuvala was extremely pleased with the expertise and flexibility Duval provided the team. “Initially, I was worried about some of our real techie guys getting ‘bored,’” said Chuvala. “But that was not the case at all. Likewise, the new people were sufficiently challenged.”

Flexible, distribution-flexible training delivers excellent value
When searching for a Linux training resource, Chuvala performed a trade study and identified a primary goal of securing a training partner who could speak with authority, provide a strong curriculum, and offer flexibility in how to deliver the class. “Linux Foundation had it all, and provided the trainer on-site at our headquarters, which was a huge plus,” remarks Cuvala. “On top of that, the cost was very good, so it was overall a great value.”

Duval also espouses the benefits of Linux Training’s value proposition. “USA/NASA is as heterogeneous as it gets. They had a heavy Debian Linux deployment but also various versions of RHEL/Centos. Because our training is flexible to a variety of distributions, we’re able to address all those different environments in a single training session. No other training organization can provide that.”

More at LF...

--jeremy

tarunchawla · 11-13-2015, 05:34 AM

great

GeWi · 11-19-2015, 10:59 PM

That is cool. Linux in space!

DutchCpt · 11-22-2015, 08:01 AM

It's like the Muppet show: "Tux... In... Spaaaace!"