Why is C++ template use not recommended in a space/radiated environment?

Notice that space-compatible (radiation-hardened, aeronautics compliant) computing devices are very expensive (including to launch in space, since their weight exceeds kilograms), and that a single space mission costs perhaps hundred million € or US$. Losing the mission because of software or computer concerns has generally a prohibitive cost so is unacceptable and justifies costly development …

Read more

What’s the difference between a “degraded” RAID 6 array and a “clean” RAID 5 array?

Besides whatever metadata the RAID controller uses, are there any differences between these two arrays (in terms of data layout, performance, reliability)? Yes. RAID5 uses a single, rotating parity while RAID6 uses two. You may be visualizing dedicated parity disks, but they’re in fact rotating. RAID5 should be rather straight-forward: With RAID6, imagine the last …

Read more

Compiling an application for use in highly radioactive environments

Working for about 4-5 years with software/firmware development and environment testing of miniaturized satellites*, I would like to share my experience here. *(miniaturized satellites are a lot more prone to single event upsets than bigger satellites due to its relatively small, limited sizes for its electronic components) To be very concise and direct: there is …

Read more