A general description of the national aeronautics and space administration real time computing complex

Abstract

Presented is a general description of the Real Time Computer Complex (RTCC), its objectives, and the design concepts being employed in its development. The RTCC is the computing and data processing system being developed for support of all manned spacecraft missions starting with the Gemini Rendezvous. In meeting Gemini requirements, the RTCC is required to handle 10 times the data flow, have 100 times the computing power, and 275 times the capacity of the Mercury System to present display information. The RTCC design challenge has been to provide an open-ended System to meet the long-term computing obligations of Gemini and Apollo missions and this has been met by developing a system design philosophy of modularity, in both equipment and programming. This design approach confines system functions to logical segments and enables substitutions of or modifications to either equipments or programming sub-parts without major redesign considerations or serious effect in other areas of the total system. The four IBM 7094 Mod II computer configuration with associated program packages for Gemini Rendezvous missions will be completed early in 1965.