The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source Flavors of Ship It! (Interview)
Aug 21, 2024
Andrew Guenther, a Principal Software Engineer at Orbital Sidekick, discusses the groundbreaking advancements in space-based hyperspectral imaging. Anita Zhang, Engineering Manager at Meta, shares her insights on managing a massive Linux infrastructure and the complexities of system upgrades. Gina Häußge, creator of OctoPrint, dives into the challenges and triumphs of her open-source 3D printing software, highlighting community engagement and the importance of user feedback. Together, they explore the exciting intersections of space tech, infrastructure management, and the evolution of open-source projects.
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In-House Software Development
- Orbital Sidekick, despite its small size, writes core image processing software and payload design in-house.
- They prioritize onboard image analysis to manage large data volumes (1.5TB/day/satellite).
Redundancy and Testing in Space
- Orbital Sidekick uses redundant systems in their satellites to mitigate risk.
- They do A/B testing in space to ensure upgrades work correctly before full deployment.
Importance of Good Code
- Write good code and carefully consider hardware choices for space systems.
- Limited access to hardware after launch necessitates robust and reliable solutions.