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Real-Time Computer Complex

 
 
IBM's RTCC in Houston

IBM's RTCC in Houston

The Real-Time Computer Complex (RTCC) was an IBM computing and data processing system at NASA's Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston. It collected, processed and sent to Mission Control the information needed to direct every phase of an Apollo/Saturn mission. It computed what the space vehicle was doing and compared that with what it should be doing. RTCC worked in real-time -- so fast, there was virtually no time between receiving and solving a computing problem.

IBM 7094-11 computers were used in the RTCC during NASA's Gemini program and on the first three Apollo/Saturn missions. Later, IBM System/360 Model 75J mainframes, plus peripheral storage and processing equipment, were employed. Two computers were used during a mission: one was primary; the other operated identically but as standby.
 
 
Space flight details
Space flight chronology Space flight chronology  
Card-programmed electronic calculator Card-programmed electronic calculator  
Real-time computer complex Real-time
computer complex
 
IBM and the Gemini program IBM and the
Gemini program
 
IBM 2361 core storage unit IBM 2361 core storage unit  
IBM and Skylab IBM and Skylab  
Saturn guidance computer Saturn guidance computer  
Saturn instrument unit Saturn instrument unit  
IBM and the Space Shuttle IBM and the Space Shuttle  
ThinkPads in Space ThinkPads in Space  
Space flight photo album Space flight photo album  

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