To infinity and beyond: Linux and open-source goes to Mars – ZDNet
Perseverance hit Mars' atmosphere at almost 12,000 miles per hour (19,312 kilometers per hour) and a mere seven minutes later NASA landed its latest Mars rover softly and safely.Onboard the one-ton mobile science lab is its tiny flying companion, the drone helicopter Ingenuity. If all goes well, the four-pound (1.8 kilograms) Ingenuity will be the first vehicle to ever fly on another world. At 11-light minutes from Earth, no one will fly the dual-propped Ingenuity with a drone controller. Instead, it will fly itself using a combination of Linux and a NASA-built program based on the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's (JPL) open-source F (pronounced F prime) framework.
This will be no easy task. No one has ever tried to fly on Mars, which has an atmosphere only one-hundredth of the density of Earth's air. True, Mars also has only a third of Earth's gravity, but still, Ingenuity's engineers will be pleased as punch just to get Ingenuity off the ground.
Indeed, Ingenuity is purely a technology demonstration. It's not designed to support the Perseverance mission, which is searching for signs of ancient life and collecting rock and dirt samples for later missions to return to Earth. Its mission is to show that it's possible to fly on Mars using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware and open-source software.
In an IEEE Spectrum interview, Timothy Canham, a JPL Embedded Flight Software Engineer, explained the helicopter's processor board is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 running at 500 Hz, not MegaHertz, Hertz. While that may sound painfully slow and old, it's far faster than Perseverance's processors. That's because NASA-grade CPUs and chips must meet NASA's High-Performance Spaceflight Computing (HPSC) radiation standards. These customized processors take years of design work and testing before they're certified for spaceflight. For instance, NASA's newest general-purpose processor is an ARM A53 variant you may know from the Raspberry Pi 3. Ingenuity, however, as a demo project can use a more ordinary, and thus a more modern, CPU.
In fact, Canham explained, "we literally ordered parts from SparkFun [Electronics]. This is commercial hardware, but we'll test it, and if it works well, we'll use it."
As for the software, Canham said,
This the first time we'll be flying Linux on Mars. We're actually running on a Linux operating system. The software framework that we're using is one that we developed at JPL for CubeSats and instruments, and we open-sourced it a few years ago. So, you can get the software framework that's flying on the Mars helicopter, and use it on your own project. It's kind of an open-source victory because we're flying an open-source operating system and an open-source flight software framework and flying commercial parts that you can buy off the shelf if you wanted to do this yourself someday.
That open-source software is F. It's a component-driven framework that enables rapid development and deployment of spaceflight and other embedded software applications. F has been successfully deployed on several space applications many times before. It is tailored but not limited to small-scale spaceflight systems such as CubeSats, SmallSats, and, now, a self-flying helicopter.
It includes:
There are, of course, many other open-source NASA programs. There are more than500 NASA Open Source 3.0 license software projects. Long before the concepts of free software and open-source had been articulated, NASA shared much of its code freely under the COSMIC program.
NASA has long used Linux both on the International Space Station (ISS). Linux's path to supercomputer domination started at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) with the first Beowulf supercomputer.
Like Ingenuity the first Beowulf cluster was built with COTS equipment. It was built using 16 Intel 486DX processors and 10Mbps Ethernet for the bus for only a few thousand dollars. While its speed was only in single-digit gigaflops, Beowulf showed you could build supercomputers on a shoestring budget and Linux. Now, Ingenuity is showing that great things can still come from inexpensive hardware paired with Linux and open-source software.
Related Stories:
Follow this link:
To infinity and beyond: Linux and open-source goes to Mars - ZDNet
- Fantastic (free) plugins and how to use them: Full Bucket FB-3300 - MusicRadar - April 27th, 2025 [April 27th, 2025]
- The best free software for your gaming PC in 2025: programs you need to know - TechRadar - April 27th, 2025 [April 27th, 2025]
- postmarketOS on developing free and open source software to extend the life of consumer electronics - Association for Progressive Communications - April 27th, 2025 [April 27th, 2025]
- Take it from an expert: This is the best Windows backup software - pcworld.com - April 27th, 2025 [April 27th, 2025]
- WeThinkCode_ Tuition-Free Two years Software Development Programme 2025 for young Africans in South Africa. - Opportunities For Africans - April 27th, 2025 [April 27th, 2025]
- Samsung Galaxy handsets could get a massive free software upgrade as soon as this summer - MSN - April 14th, 2025 [April 14th, 2025]
- A Free Software Program Helped Create This Oscar-Winning Movie And Thats a Big Deal - Collider - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- Samsung Galaxy handsets could get a massive free software upgrade as soon as this summer - t3.com - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- More Than 200 Manufacturers Download Free Work Instruction Software - Assembly Magazine - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- Windows' Photoshop Alternative Is Actually Good Now, and It's Free - Lifehacker - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- I've tried a lot of different backup software, and I keep coming back to this free, open-source tool - XDA - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- Home Assistant is the best example of what free and open-source software should be - XDA - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- Intel Unison, a powerful free app bridging Android phones and PCs, is shutting down - Android Central - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- TugImgSynth, free image wavetable Synthesizer plugin for macOS and Windows - synth anatomy - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- Garmin wants you to pay for AI features and enhanced software updates - is it worth it? - ZDNET - April 8th, 2025 [April 8th, 2025]
- Apple announces software update to AirPods Max, and you can get it for free; heres how - Fortune India - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- Download Free PDF Reader (free) for Windows, macOS and Linux - Gizmodo - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- 5 best free alternatives to Adobe creative software you should use instead - XDA Developers - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- Best free Adobe Illustrator alternatives of 2025 - TechRadar - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- Ocean Swift revives its free Legacy Synthesizer plugins with VST3 support: part 1 bundle - Synth Anatomy - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- I've found the easiest way to learn Blackmagic's Da Vinci Resolve 19 and it's free - Creative Bloq - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- Download PDFgear (free) for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS and Web App - Gizmodo - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- U-he Tyrell N6 3.0, free Synthesizer plugin gets major update with Apple Silicon support, and more - Synth Anatomy - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- GIMP 3.0 Is Here The Best Free Graphics Editor Just Got Better - 9Meters.com - March 18th, 2025 [March 18th, 2025]
- File Your Tax Return for Free: What to Know About the IRS Free File Program and Its Limitations - CNET - March 18th, 2025 [March 18th, 2025]
- Freeware image editor GIMP 3.0 arrives after seven years of incubation - Tom's Hardware - March 18th, 2025 [March 18th, 2025]
- A Perfect Day - for iOS - Free download and software reviews - Download.com - March 18th, 2025 [March 18th, 2025]
- Oscar winner Gints Zilbalodis: Its really cool that we can make these films with free software - The Irish Times - March 18th, 2025 [March 18th, 2025]
- A government program made tax filing free and more efficient. Musk and DOGE may get rid of it anyway - MyFoxZone.com KIDY - March 18th, 2025 [March 18th, 2025]
- Winner of Best Animated Film at the 2025 Oscars Was Made on Free Software - The Express Tribune - March 18th, 2025 [March 18th, 2025]
- Deep Research could be the next Gemini feature to hit free users, per report - Android Central - March 9th, 2025 [March 9th, 2025]
- As Flow takes home the Oscar using only free software, fans troll"Disneys worst nightmare is indie animators with talent" - Soap Central - March 9th, 2025 [March 9th, 2025]
- The best animation Oscar winner was made in totally free software that anyone can use - Yahoo Entertainment - March 9th, 2025 [March 9th, 2025]
- Best free WinZip alternative of 2025 - TechRadar - March 9th, 2025 [March 9th, 2025]
- YouTube's affordable ad-free Premium Lite plan officially rolls out in the U.S. - Android Central - March 9th, 2025 [March 9th, 2025]
- 303 Day: Get Rolands TB-303 software version absolutely free but youll have to be quick - MusicTech - March 9th, 2025 [March 9th, 2025]
- Everybody needs a 303, and Roland is giving away its software version free for 303 Day but be quick, theres only 3,030 copies up for grabs -... - March 3rd, 2025 [March 3rd, 2025]
- News: Free QNX Everywhere software resources now available - A3 Association for Advancing Automation - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- How do I file my taxes for free? Federal and Ohio state services to know about this year - The Columbus Dispatch - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- How to file your taxes for free in 2025 - CNBC - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- Microsoft quietly tests free, ad-supported version of Office apps for Windows with limited functionality - Windows Central - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- Empty Out Your Gmail Inbox and Get Back 15GB of Storage - CNET - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- Google releases free version of AI platform that speeds coding - Business in Vancouver - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- H&R Block vs. TurboTax vs. Jackson Hewitt: Whats the Difference? - Investopedia - February 25th, 2025 [February 25th, 2025]
- All the Ways You Can File for Free This Year, From TurboTax to FreeTaxUSA - CNET - February 18th, 2025 [February 18th, 2025]
- Best free video editing software of 2025: Top picks for every project and skill-level - TechRadar - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- 500,000 U.S. Lawyers Now Have Free Access to Trust Software through Bar Partnerships with Smokeball - LawSites - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- Best Tax Software 2025: TurboTax Leads the Pack, but These Options May Work Better for You - CNET - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- Photopea Is a Free Photoshop Alternative That Runs in the Browser - WIRED - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- Freedom Reimagined: Meet the Free Software Foundations 40th Anniversary Logo - It's FOSS News - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Free Software Foundation Marking 40 Years Old With A New Logo - Phoronix - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Coros smartwatches just got a big free software update here are the best new features - MSN - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Best personal finance software of 2025 - TechRadar - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Free Mac Email Apps That Stand Out in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide - PUNE.NEWS - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Free-software warriors celebrate landmark case that enforced GNU LGPL - The Register - January 13th, 2025 [January 13th, 2025]
- This free software is topping the Steam charts, but its not a game - Notebookcheck.net - January 13th, 2025 [January 13th, 2025]
- IRS offering free tax filing services to millions starting this week - KSWO - January 13th, 2025 [January 13th, 2025]
- The best Android antivirus apps in 2025 - Tom's Guide - January 13th, 2025 [January 13th, 2025]
- GIMP vs Krita: which free software is best for you? - Creative Bloq - January 6th, 2025 [January 6th, 2025]
- Mensla MS-3, free waveshaper Synthesizer plugin for macOS and Windows - Synth Anatomy - January 6th, 2025 [January 6th, 2025]
- Tesla fixes TPMS issue on nearly 700,000 vehicles with free software update - Drive Tesla Canada - December 25th, 2024 [December 25th, 2024]
- STRACKALINE TO OFFER EXCLUSIVE FREE SOFTWARE ACCESS AT THE 2025 PGA SHOW (BOOTH 2808) - The Golf Wire - December 18th, 2024 [December 18th, 2024]
- The Pixel 6 just got a free software upgrade that makes it my favorite budget Android phone - ZDNet - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- Google just gave older Pixel phones a free software upgrade that you once could only wish for - ZDNet - December 8th, 2024 [December 8th, 2024]
- Free AI-Powered Software for Radiology Impressions Available from Scriptor Software - Imaging Technology News - December 8th, 2024 [December 8th, 2024]
- Maryland State Bar Members Now Get Free Trust Accounting Software in Deal with Smokeball - LawSites - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- 7 free and open-source tools that rival the best creative software - XDA Developers - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Google Drive Full? Gift Yourself More Digital Storage This Holiday Season - CNET - November 30th, 2024 [November 30th, 2024]
- Tired of controller lock-in? Mixxx is a free DJ alternative; 2.4.2 out now - Create Digital Music - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]
- 5 of the best free software for data recovery on Windows - XDA Developers - November 23rd, 2024 [November 23rd, 2024]
- AAVAA Hands-Free Accessibility Devices Now Compatible with Apple Software - The Hearing Review - November 17th, 2024 [November 17th, 2024]
- The best graphic design software - Creative Bloq - November 16th, 2024 [November 16th, 2024]
- VMware makes Workstation and Fusion free for everyone - BleepingComputer - November 16th, 2024 [November 16th, 2024]
- Trimble Expands Access to Advanced Construction Project Management Capabilities with Free Version of ProjectSight Software - StreetInsider.com - November 16th, 2024 [November 16th, 2024]
- The best free video editing software: how to cut clips without the cost - Creative Bloq - November 8th, 2024 [November 8th, 2024]
- Best Free Invoice And Billing Software Of 2024 - Forbes - November 8th, 2024 [November 8th, 2024]
- Amazfit just dropped a massive free software update and these new features are coming to your smartwatch - Tom's Guide - November 5th, 2024 [November 5th, 2024]
- The Free Software Foundation Finally Has AI / Machine Learning Apps On Their Radar - Phoronix - October 24th, 2024 [October 24th, 2024]
- Intuit asked us to delete part of this Decoder episode - The Verge - October 24th, 2024 [October 24th, 2024]
- "100% Free" GNU Boot Discovers Again They Have Been Shipping Non-Free Code - Phoronix - October 24th, 2024 [October 24th, 2024]