NASA has reportedly called for “open source specifications” in Boeing's contract to build a next-generation avionics system. The avionics system will guide Ares rockets responsible for launching the manned Orion spacecraft into Earth orbit, and then driving it to the moon.

(Click for larger view of the Ares I rocket)

According to NASA, the avionics system manages vehicle health, and reports status information back to flight controllers. The system includes “onboard computers, flight controls, communications equipment, and other instruments and software for monitoring and adjusting the rocket's speed and position during flight.”

The avionics system being built initially by Boeing will be used in Ares I rockets responsible for launching the Orion craft into orbit. Its basis in open source should facilitate open bidding on avionics systems for future rockets, such as that for the Ares V rocket scheduled to rendezvous with the Orion in Earth orbit and send four astronauts to the moon sometime within the next 12 years.

Both rockets are part of NASA's Constellation program aimed at returning humans to the moon. The Constellation program is also intended to replace the Space Shuttle fleet, which is scheduled for retirement in 2010, as well as act as a potential platform for future Mars missions.

Artist's conception of Orion orbiting the moon
(Source: NASA. Click to enlarge)

Whether Linux will be used in the avionics system remains to be seen. However, NASA announced that Linux technology was being used in one of the scientific payloads for the upcoming New Millenium Program Space Technology 8 (ST8) program. NASA has also tested potential lunar rovers for Constellation that are based on Linux.

A copy of NASA's open source software agreement is located here.

 
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