NASA is developing a new real-time, embedded version of Linux, called FlightLinux. They hope to begin using FlightLinux in the onboard computers of spacecraft. NASA is already using Linux for applications on the International Space Station and on the ground. In addition to the higher reliability of Free Software, NASA believes the design of the Linux kernel offers advantages for use in space. An article about Pat Stakem, the instigator of the project, can be found on NewsForge