Valencian technology heading to Jupiter

When the European Space Agency (ESA) space probe JUICE (JUpiter ICy moons Explorer) left Earth on Friday, April 14, 2023, Valencian technology also did so on board the ship.

If all goes well, the JUICE mission will be one of the most comprehensive surveys of Jupiter’s moons. It is likely to make important scientific discoveries and help pave the way for future exploration of the outer solar system.

In this context, security is one of the most critical features of the mission to guarantee the reliability of the ship, so resorting to robust and reliable software solutions is the safest bet. Thus, JUICE incorporates the XtratuM hypervisor, which is software developed by fentISS, a spin off of the Polytechnic University of Valencia in Spain, and which has already been used in multiple space missions.

XtratuM will allow the spacecraft, and more specifically the MAJIS spectrometer, to divide its applications into multiple isolated virtual containers to improve overall mission system reliability and security. As a result, this solution will make it possible to reduce vulnerability to possible software errors that can occur due to space conditions, capable of corrupting data and causing transient failures.

Additionally, XtratuM will allow JUICE to run different operating systems and software applications simultaneously, without interfering with each other. This will make it possible for the ship to perform multiple tasks and operations at the same time, increasing its efficiency and productivity.

The XtratuM hypervisor is software developed by fentISS, a spin off of the Polytechnic University of Valencia. (Photo: Polytechnic University of Valencia / fentISS)

“XtratuM’s track record of success, already present on more than 700 orbiting satellites and space instruments, made this software an ideal choice for JUICE. Its addition demonstrates the power and reliability of the XtratuM hypervisor in mission-critical environments. We are delighted to having played a key role in this project and we will continue working to continue with this type of initiative that expands the limits of deep space exploration”, highlights Manuel Muñoz, CEO of fentISS. (Source: Polytechnic University of Valencia)