Drew DeVault introduces Helios, a new microkernel written in the Hare programming language, targeting x86_64 with riscv64 and aarch64 support planned. Inspired by seL4, it uses a capability-based design for isolation and security. The project is early-stage but already has memory management, virtual address spaces, and simple userspace drivers working. The broader vision is a full OS stack named after celestial bodies: Helios (kernel), Mercury (low-level services), Venus (drivers), Gaia (high-level environment), and Ares (complete OS with GUI and package management). A POSIX compatibility layer (Luna) and userspace testing framework (Vulcan) are also planned. The author aims for real-world hardware usability, testing on ThinkPads and planning drivers for Intel HD graphics, HD Audio, and Gigabit Ethernet.
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