Space Grade Linux for Facilitating Open Source Industry Collaboration

Completed TRL 5 (started at 3, targeting 5)

Description

Introduces first class Linux support for flight software in next-generation space processors and allows missions to tap into Linux's unrivaled performance, hardware support, and software ecosystem. This support is enabled through an embedded linux distribution using the Yocto Project named Space Grade Linux, Linux-specific core Flight System apps, and other general operating system components.

Benefits

Offers a reusable software ecosystem reducing the need to "reinvent the wheel".
Reduces required level of technical expertise to develop flight software.
Facilitates integration of modern software frameworks, such as for AI/ML, into flight software running on modern space processors.
Establishes a reference operating system on which flight software and next generation space processors can target.
If desired, enables future collaboration among industry, academia, and large open source non-profit entities that can revolutionize the software and hardware ecosystem for space to pronounced effect Automotive Grade Linux project had on the Automotive industry.

Details

Technology area	Software, Modeling, Simulation, and Information Processing > Software Development, Engineering, and Integrity > Frameworks, Languages, Tools, and Standards
Program	Center Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD (GSFC IRAD)
Lead organization	Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date	2024-05-01
End date	2025-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Michael A Johnson — michael.a.johnson@nasa.gov
Michael L Monaghan — michael.l.monaghan@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.