The Space Shuttle Cockpit Avionics Upgrade project aimed to reduce crew workload and improve situational awareness. An early version of the system was tested in the Space Shuttle Motion Simulator at Johnson Space Center by multiple astronaut teams over one month. Results showed better-than-expected improvements in both situational awareness and workload reduction.
RTPatch was the COTS product selected for use to patch the CDP software. It was VxWorks compatible and had a long shelf life in its use by Microsoft products. The product was to be used in the Software Updates component of Normal Mode and in the Maintenance Mode software.