[plug] Linux on Fred (the International Space Station, ISS)

[Leon Brooks]

In response to a number of off-list queries:

    http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=18030

    The transitioning of the onboard PCS (Portable Computer System)
    A31p laptops to the new R9 software version will begin Monday
    next week (9/12) and extend over three days. If everything goes
    without hitch, crew action will only be required on Day 2
    (Tuesday). At the focal point of the transition are the three
    C&C MDMs (Command & Control Multiplexer/Demultiplexers, i.e.,
    computers).  [The upgrading of the PCS laptops requires files
    to be loaded to the Tier 1 C&C MDMs, which are in charge of a
    large number of Tier 2 MDMs (e.g., Internal, External, Payload,
    Power Management, RS Central Computer, Guidance/Navigation/
    Control, etc.). For a smooth transition without loss of C&C,
    loading activities will be switched between Primary, Standby
    and Backup MDMs as required. Three A31p laptops plus one spare
    hard drive have already been prepared (ghosted) by the crew
    for the new software version. Altogether there are 12 R9-
    capable PCS A31p laptops available on board, three more than
    the minimum required to support the transition. Version R9 is
    very powerful, built on version R8 but with new laptop
**  platforms (A31p ThinkPads), a new Operating System (Linux    **
**  instead of Solaris), the Mission 12A baseline configuration  **
    plus two deltas (patches) for post-12A.1 and post-13A,
    improved performance, over 6400 displays (>130,000 data
    points monitored, >50,000 command instances, >17,000
    navigation choices), etc.].

Understand that these laptops are actually running ISS. We're not 
talking about semi-optional stuff toted around by crew members to run 
PySol on or take notes here. Laptops turned out to be the best way to 
apply technology from this century to lots of onboard stuff.

Cheers; Leon

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