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

1. Purchase one (1) SA.45s Chip Scale Atomic Clock (https://www.microchip.com/en-us/product/csac-sa45s)
2. 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

1. Enables RIT engineering team to meet <30 nanoseconds/day drift requirement
2. Secures expert oversight for critical early development phase
3. Maintains project timeline for lunar PNT infrastructure development
4. 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

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- type: Request Budget
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    budget:
      - token: ETH
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        justification: Engineering support effort
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        justification: 1x https://www.microchip.com/en-us/product/csac-sa45s @ market
          price 2024-11-02