Mars Rover Runs MySQL

NASA's Mars Rover project has continued in its successful use of open source software. The ground systems controlling the Spirit and Opportunity Rovers are heavily based on open source technology including MySQL, the Castor data binding framework and Xerces XML parser.  According to Jeff Norris, a senior computer scientist at the Jet Propusion Laboratory, the rovers success is a testament to open source, laying the groundwork for greater use of open source inside the agency.  "It's emboldened, or increased our approach to use open source," he said.

MySQL is also now available under a US Federal GSA contract which should make it easier for government agencies to purchase MySQL Network.

• NewsForge: NASA's Mars Rover blazes open source path
• eWeek: MySQL gets government thumbs up
• MySQL: Guide to Open Source in Government

Comments

[glen bauer]

you forgot my birthday it was on the same day. anyway i just wasnted to know, great work with the rover they are a cool little robot. we have to an assignment on mars and i picked the rover.
Bye Bye