SuSE Linux In Space With CC CompuNet in 2.4 Million Euro Engagement
07/7th/2003
SourceSuSE Linux announced a new 2.4 million euro engagement with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) on a high-performance storage system for Columbus, the European space lab project.
In partnership with IT service provider CC CompuNet AG & Co. OHG, SuSE Linux will provide the software infrastructure for Columbus, the cornerstone of the European contribution to the International Space Station (ISS). The European Space Agency (ESA) plans to launch the lab in October 2004.
The key functions of the Columbus control center, provided by DLR on behalf of ESA, will include the monitoring and control of Columbus' on-board systems, the coordination of the European payload operation and the provision of the European communication network for operations and data distribution.
"The Columbus space lab and the Columbus control center are core elements of the European involvement in the International Space Station (ISS)," said Dr. Joachim Kehr, Director of the DLR Columbus project office. "With CC CompuNet, we found a reliable and flexible partner for the implementation of this immensely important installation."
The space lab is designed to send telemetry, audio, and video data back to earth around the clock over the next 10 to 15 years. Smooth transmissions, safe storage, and high data availability are ensured by 46 IBM Dual-Xeon servers, two Sun Solaris systems, almost 25 terabytes of EMC CLARiiON CX600 storage, ADIC StorNext HSM, Legato Networker Backup as well as an ADIC Scalar10k tape library with more than 70 terabytes of storage for backup and archiving.
The operating system is SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 8, powered by United Linux. The operating system, delivered with full source code, has also proven its value as a development platform during the evaluation phase.
"The fact that the order was awarded to CC CompuNet underscores the competence of our partner especially in the Linux environment," said Richard Seibt, CEO of SuSE Linux, "as well as the importance of the SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for critical applications. We will continue to join forces in tackling and winning projects in business-critical segments."
For CC CompuNet, this project is a major milestone for the further development of its Linux services. "Our Linux commitment has become very important," said Dr. Karsten Freihube, Managing Director of CC CompuNet. "The use of the Open Source operating system in manned spacecraft validates our decision to integrate Linux as an equivalent operating system into our service portfolio. With nearly all of our customers, Linux is beginning to play an ever more important role in special areas of application."
"The use of EMC Clariion CX600 and corresponding software components in this environment shows that a midrange system can already meet highest requirements in view of high availability and scalability today. This is the only way to guarantee permanent data access and the central evaluation of the information. This project also demonstrates the high significance that we assign to our recently extended partnership with CC CompuNet," says Wolfgang Kroh, Managing Director of EMC Deutschland GmbH, commenting on the successful cooperation.