The Challenge
Kennedy Space Center is NASA's rocket launch headquarters, the home of our nation’s outer space and orbiting satellite programs. Users at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) rely heavily on system synchronization to ensure that various aspects of their operation occur at precise times. Masterclock was tasked with designing a more affordable and efficient method of distributing and displaying these timing signals throughout the facility.
The Solution
Masterclock designed and built the MDN29 to add additional capabilities to the KSC timing system. The MDN29 accepts the legacy countdown signals (IRIG-B, CS3, CS5) that were previously employed while also accepting distributed countdown and timing information via Ethernet (NTP, IRIG-215-12). These features allow the display to be utilized within current infrastructure while also delivering future possibilities for more efficient integration.
The Result
Our contact in the KSC timing group later reported, “These displays will save money by distributing timing and multiple countdowns using spare Ethernet ports and eliminating the need for mechanical switches as well as RS422 distribution. We estimate our total immediate savings on just the lower price alone as $80,870.56".
Presentation by John Clark, CEO & Dr. Demetrios Matsakis, Chief ScientistTime Behind and Beyond the Clock
