Will Ubuntu apply to Mars-One mission?

[Paqman]

I'm still skeptical that even those kernels would work for space travel specifically without years of extra work, unless perhaps one already exists.

It's not really my area, but I'd be surprised if some subsystems on something big and complex like the ISS didn't use Linux. I'm not suggesting for a minute they should be used for the avionics, which are obviously going to use systems with a proven track record in that arena. As I said, they're extremely conservative and will just work with whatever they're familiar with. Even things like IP comms are still considered a bit new-fangled in industrial control, which is comical really.

[moma]

Thanks for all replies.

I think we can safely say that Tux is on the way to Mars. I cannot imagine how the settlers could use commercial (closed source) equipment on distant planets because they must be able to resolve many problems alone due to long comm-delay with the earth. They must have all code and specifications/manuals available. Open Source is the only viable option! The settlers can also utilize, consume the long flight time (7 - 9 months) to absorb new computer skills, reading everything freely about open source, and developing better software for their field of interest; like geology, greenhouse and food engineering, alien biology detectors, improved body sensors, 3D-printer, etc.

MarsOne has employed Kai Staats for a leading position. He is a well-known Linux and supercomputer guru with great respect.
Ref: http://mars-one.com/en/about-mars-on...290-kai-staats

Canonicals seems also to develop a unified platorm for PC Desktops, Tablet, TV and Phones. This is a perfect solution for space missions and planet-settlers. The rockets will surely run VxWorks Unix, but the settlers will not be able modify the rocket itself, it's pre-programmed and mostly controlled from the earth.

The settlement on Mars is totally different issue and all operations (rovers, life support, greenhouse, media centers, comm systems and other station operations) will most likely run a Linux distro.

My critics and questions:
1) I do not understand how the planned rover-tractors can move and lift the heavy building-modules. I think those modules weight (38% of 2000Kg) 750Kg on Mars. They are going to use solar panels to drive the rovers, and that will limit their size - therefore the rovers cannot lift or drag very much weight. For example the Curiosity rover (with a size of a clubman-cooper) is powered by a small atom reactor. Maybe computers can guide and land the housing modules very accurately to a 10-meters spot?

2) Is media-hype enough to finance this mission?
How long will this media-interest last? When will it start?

3) Why do humans have to expand to other planets at all?
Can't we just stay on earth and find a nirvana by travelling through our thoughts and imagination? Do time and place (dimensions) really matter? Eg. entangled/paired quantum particles do not respect distance or spatial dimensions. It's quite possible this law expands to tangible objects too. So the space-time is just an illusion or even more likely -- simply a product of your consciousness. So let's stay where we are!

More reading:
Fans of MarsOne have a forum with many interesting discussions.
http://marsonefans.com

There are some clever questions... sent to MarsOne team. The fans are just waiting for answers.

Slashdot has also a series of questions and answers.

Jump on and learn more about the future:
http://www.futuretimeline.net

Also, many things are just an illusion:
http://www.robertlanzabiocentrism.co...-isnt-the-end/
The best part is below the main article. See "The Most Amazing Experiment".

Boa viagem!

[moma]

The "hype" has just begun.
MarsOne beeing slashdotted. Already over 1000 martians have applied to the journey.
See: http://science.slashdot.org/story/12...ission-to-mars

This is going to be awesome!

[SeijiSensei]

When the US Navy decided to install new computer systems to manage operations aboard ships, they chose, wait for it, Windows for Warships.

Just sayin'.

[moma]

Yep, money controls a lot, at least in this project.
In the USA they (the military) must often use something "home made" like Windows. Very understable. I've read they also run RedHat Linux. Ref: http://www.redhat.com/solutions/indu...fications.html
RedHat has very high EAL (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evaluation_Assurance_Level), I think upto EAL level 7.

Let's just see whats happens here.

[haqking]

yep, money controls a lot, at least in this project.
In the usa they (the military) must often use something "home made" like windows. Very understable. I've read they also run redhat linux. Ref: http://www.redhat.com/solutions/indu...fications.html
redhat has very high eal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/evaluation_assurance_level), i think upto eal level 7.

Let's just see whats happens here.

eal 4+

https://www.redhat.com/solutions/ind...fications.html

You can look up OS evaluation criterias here http://www.commoncriteriaportal.org/products/

[haqking]

JDShu: In what cave have you been hiding during the last year? You should apply to Mars-mission!

Ubuntu is more than a desktop system. Ubuntu is a phone, it is a TV, media center, server, cloud server, tablet and a desktop operating system. There is NO other OS that is more suitable for space travel and colonization of other planets. Your buntu has the most advanced collection of software ever built.

Thanks, I almost spat out my coffee, thanks for the morning laugh, it was needed.

[moma]

@haqking: Ok, EAL4+. Thanks for edukating me.
>>Thanks, I almost spat out my coffee, thanks for the morning laugh, it was needed.

Lovely.
Was it my bad englesh or the real meaning of the text, or just Ubuntu + space travel?
I hope to entertein you latter on.

[moma]

Hello,
This blog talks about bringing life and building habitats on Mars.
http://marsonce.wordpress.com/

It's not very wise idea to bring animals like rabbits or chicken to the space. It's more economical to eat the food directly than growing it to eggs or meat. The relationship between meat and intake of veggies is around 1:8 in nour·ish·ment, and the divident is much worse if you measure it in kilos and pounds. Vegetarians know this quite well. So I think, that guy is smoking his herbs rather than eating'em. Carnivores are obviously dying species and totally bypassed by more rapidly thinking vegans/vegetarians. You will find Gandhi, da Vinci, Einstein and all the others on that list.

EDIT: I would like to add this article... to your reading list.

[moma]

Hello,
Colonization program:
You can now apply to MarsOne's astronaut and colonist program.

Please fill in this formula to show your interest for the job. You will later receive detailed information about the application procedure.
See: http://mars-one.us5.list-manage1.com...&id=68735e115d



BTW: The 5 most important questions of MarsOneFans.com have been answered.
Ref: http://marsonefans.com/showthread.ph...-Mars-One-Team!

Canonical's Ubuntu Phone OS (uPhone) was just announced. This means that the Ubuntu-family of products is complete and ready for the launch too. Laptops, Mobiles, TVs, Servers and Cloud will have the very same Desktop and command interface (APT with JuJu) to manage system files, installations and applications. This is a pretty awesome achievement.
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpWHJDLsqTU

All the best for 2013.
Only three years to go for the first lift off!
It will send a communication relay and lander with supplies to Mars.