SpaceTime Protocol Initial Phase Procurement Proposal
Abstract
We need to buy an atomic clock and pay two experts to help build a timekeeper for the Moon. This is the first step in creating a system that helps spacecraft know where they are and what time it is on the Moon, similar to how GPS works on Earth. A team of students at RIT is already working on a prototype, but their budget doesn't cover the cost of an atomic clock.
Problem
Based on RIT's Phase #2 System Design Report, the project requires a highly precise atomic clock (SA.45s) that has a 4-5 month lead time. Without immediate procurement and expert oversight, the student engineering team cannot proceed with development of the lunar timecard prototype.
Solution
- Purchase one (1) SA.45s Chip Scale Atomic Clock (https://www.microchip.com/en-us/product/csac-sa45s)
- Provide compensation for 12 weeks of technical oversight from:
- Philip Linden (Core Contributor, MoonDAO)
- Ashley Kosak (Fellow, Open Lunar Foundation)
Total Budget Request: $7,400-9,400
- Hardware: $5,000-7,000 for SA.45s
- Personnel: $2,400 (Phil & Ashley at $100/week per person for 12 weeks)
Benefits
- Enables RIT engineering team to meet <30 nanoseconds/day drift requirement
- Secures expert oversight for critical early development phase
- Maintains project timeline for lunar PNT infrastructure development
- Positions MoonDAO to contribute key infrastructure for lunar development
Risks
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
| SA.45s procurement delay | Submit order immediately upon approval |
| Component failure | RIT team will validate in controlled environment before space qualification |
| Technical oversight gaps | Weekly check-ins and documentation requirements |
Objectives
Objective #1: Procure and integrate SA.45s atomic clock into RIT prototype development
Key Results for Objective #1:
- SA.45s order confirmed within 1 week of funding approval
- Integration plan documented within 2 weeks of component receipt
- Initial prototype testing completed within 8 weeks of component receipt
- Clock drift validated at <30 nanoseconds/day
Member(s) responsible for OKR and their role:
- Philip Linden - Technical oversight, procurement coordination
- Ashley Kosak - Technical oversight, integration planning
- RIT Team - Implementation and testing
Deadline
- Procurement: Immediate upon approval
- Technical Oversight Period: 12 weeks from funding approval
- Final Integration Report: May 2025
