Solid State Logic’s System T broadcast audio production platform has been installed at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, where it is supporting NASA Television (NASA TV) operations.
The new 80-fader System T S500 large-format modular mixing console and TE2 Tempest Engine provide routing, mixing and processing of all broadcast audio sources for NASA TV’s multi-platform programming, which includes coverage of all human and unmanned space missions as well as a continuous live stream from the International Space Station.
“NASA’s audio production demands have grown exponentially from the days of the space shuttle,” said Phil Wagner, Solid State Logic’s Los Angeles-based senior vice president. “The Artemis programme’s upcoming manned moon flights and eventual missions to Mars as well as commercial space ventures such as SpaceX Dragon and Boeing Starliner will all introduce even more complexity to the broadcast audio. SSL’s System T platform will enable the ACR to adapt and grow according to NASA TV’s evolving production requirements.”
The installation was carried out by Houston-based integrator LD Systems. In addition to the S500 console, the system includes three SSL Network I/O D64 AES-to-Dante conversion boxes, eight A32 analogue line I/O boxes and two SB 32.24 mic/line Stageboxes.
The System T console is operational around the clock and has not been powered down since it was commissioned in February 2023, creating and broadcasting a mix of mission audio to public streaming platforms. It is also used to create the audio programme for press conferences, live interviews between a ground-based participant and an orbiting crew member, and for coverage of dynamic spaceflight activities such as spacewalks and launches of crewed missions to the ISS.
