Ask HN: Ideal language for running the systems of an Orion class spaceship?
In science fiction tv, movies and books we often see and hear about systems and sub-systems working together to run the entire ship. And almost always there are scenarios where the "OS" for the ship allows quick hacks to re-purpose modules or re-route data/power across areas.
Being a developer, I have always wondered whether there is a language currently that can withstand the rigours of deep space? Or it is something yet to be invented?
Such a programming language should have certain features - fast execution times, versatility, good driver support for hardware components, ability to script in, baked in support for messaging,etc.
An oldie but a goodie: "Lisping at JPL".
I have found that the International Space Station Flight Software Guidance, Navigation, and Control uses 'Ada' http://www.seas.gwu.edu/~mfeldman/ada-project-summary.html
Seems like ESA has put its money on MicroPython https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=9699798