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China, in a momentum of strengthening its technological independence, recently taken a decisive step by testing a operating system developed locally in space. This ambitious project aims to reduce dependence on foreign software, in response to the growing sanctions imposed by the West, especially the United States. By exploiting the Openharmony system, derived from Huawei’s Harmonyos, the Dalian-1 Lianli Cubesat satellite has demonstrated increased efficiency and reliability in demanding space conditions. This success marks a turning point for Chinese space technology, claiming its ability to innovate independently on the world scene.
Satellite advances with the Openharmony system
Recent studies published in the journal Space: Science and Technology have highlighted the exceptional performance of the Openharmony system, developed in China. This domestic system has surpassed the previous configurations which depended on foreign software or basic micrologists. According to Yu Xiaozhou, professor at the Dalian University of Technology, the use of the Openharmony RTOS on the Lianli satellite has considerably improved response speed and reliability. Critical components such as the magnetometer, the solar sensor and the attitude unit have seen their performance optimized, ensuring increased precision in the positioning and orientation of the satellite.
This technological advance allowed the satellite to respond to orders in just two microseconds, a speed feat that has also improved the frequency of data updates. By integrating both an operating system and a chip entirely designed in China, the Lianli microsatellite represents a promising new alternative for spatial operating systems worldwide.
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The challenges posed by dependence on open-source systems
The success of the Lianli mission led YU and its team to define national technical standards for the integration of the openharmony in small satellites. This initiative aims to standardize its application and accelerate its adoption, already visible in many commercial and research projects in China. Since Huawei was placed on black list by the United States in 2019, China has focused on accelerating its autonomy efforts, especially in operating systems.
Yu stressed that dependence on foreign or open-source operating systems, like Freertos, had posed long-term problems. Although Freertos has offered initial advantages thanks to its free availability, the restriction of access to foreign fleas has limited its use, highlighting the constraints facing the domestic development teams. This excessive dependence has become a major obstacle to the advancement of technological self -sufficiency in China.
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The importance of technological independence in space
China’s ability to develop and implement a domestic spatial exploitation system highlights the crucial importance of technological independence. By freeing itself from foreign technologies, China can better control its presence in space and reduce the risks linked to economic and political sanctions. The Openharmony RTOS, supported by the Openatom Foundation in China, represents a central pillar of this autonomy strategy.
The development of a national operating system for satellites reflects a desire to strengthen the country’s technological sovereignty, while stimulating local innovation. This proactive approach allows China to position itself as an essential player in the space field, thus increasing its competitiveness on the international scene.
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The role of operating systems in spatial innovation
Operating systems play an essential role in managing the functions of satellites and spacecraft. By offering faster and more reliable solutions, the Openharmony RTOS promises to improve China’s ability to carry out complex space missions. This technological development opens the way to new opportunities for the Chinese space industry, both commercially and scientifically.
With suitable technical standards and increasing adoption, openharmony could become a standard for future space missions, not only in China, but also internationally. By redefining the capacities of space operating systems, China is preparing to take up new challenges and explore new borders in space.
The success of the Openharmony operating system in space raises important questions about the future of Chinese space technology. How will this advance influence international technological relations and what will be the next challenges to be met to maintain this level of innovation?
The author relied on artificial intelligence to enrich this article.
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