A development effort under way at the time of reporting the information for this article is directed toward producing a version of the LabVIEW data-acquisition software that would be suitable for use as flight software that could be executed in the VxWorks real-time operating system. The approach taken in this effort is to utilize the graphical programming capability of the LabVIEW software system to reduce the time and cost of developing flight software and, more specifically, to make it possible for ground-based software to be transferred to and utilized in a flight environment without rewriting the software. Thus far, a prototype flight version of LabVIEW has been developed to run in a VxWorks real-time operating system on an embedded processor for precisely controlling the temperature of an isolated cryogenic platform. (The temperature-control system is undergoing development for use in a future low-temperature microgravitational facility.)
This program was written by Edmund Baroth, Hyung Cho, Martin Barmatz, Phillip Yates, and Phillip Withington of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.nasatech.com/tsp under the Software category.
This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Don Hart of the California Institute of Technology at (818) 393-3425. Refer to: NPO-21124.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
LabVIEW as Flight Software with VxWorks Operating System
(reference NPO-21124) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document discusses a development effort at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) aimed at adapting LabVIEW data-acquisition software for use as flight software on the VxWorks real-time operating system. The initiative seeks to leverage LabVIEW's graphical programming capabilities to streamline the process of developing flight software, thereby reducing both time and costs associated with software development for space missions.
The primary objective of this effort is to enable the seamless transfer of ground-based software to a flight environment without the need for extensive rewriting. This is particularly important for ensuring that software can be efficiently utilized in various applications, including those requiring precise control in challenging environments.
A notable achievement of this project is the development of a prototype flight version of LabVIEW that operates on an embedded processor within the VxWorks system. This prototype has been specifically designed for the precise control of temperature in an isolated cryogenic platform, which is part of ongoing development for a future low-temperature microgravitational facility. The ability to control temperature accurately is crucial for experiments and operations in space, where conditions can be extreme and unpredictable.
The document credits several individuals from Caltech, including Edmund Baroth, Hyung Cho, Martin Barmatz, Phillip Yates, and Phillip Withington, for their contributions to this software development. It also mentions that the software is available for commercial licensing, providing contact information for interested parties.
Additionally, the document includes a disclaimer stating that references to specific commercial products or services do not imply endorsement by the United States Government or JPL. It emphasizes that the work described was conducted under contract with NASA, highlighting the collaborative nature of the project between JPL and the California Institute of Technology.
In summary, this document outlines a significant advancement in the integration of LabVIEW software for flight applications, showcasing its potential to enhance the efficiency of software development for space missions while ensuring precise control in critical environments. The ongoing efforts reflect JPL's commitment to innovation and collaboration in aerospace technology.
