Next generation system and software architectures Challenges from future NASA exploration missions

• Published in: Science of computer programming Vol. 61; no. 1; pp. 48 - 57
• Main Authors: Sterritt, Roy, Rouff, Christopher A, Hinchey, Michael G, Rash, James L, Truszkowski, Walt
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.06.2006
• ISSN: 0167-6423
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scico.2005.11.005

The four key objective properties of a system that are required of it in order for it to qualify as "autonomic" are now well-accepted-self-configuring, self-healing, self-protecting, and self-optimizing-together with the attribute properties-viz. self-aware, environment-aware, self-monitoring and self- adjusting. This paper describes the need for next generation system software architectures, where components are agents, rather than objects masquerading as agents, and where support is provided for self-* properties (both existing self- chop and emerging self-* properties). These are discussed as exhibited in NASA missions, and in particular with reference to a NASA concept mission, ANTS, which is illustrative of future NASA exploration missions based on the technology of intelligent swarms.