BioTech

Philip Linden | Space Time Card @ Vision Weekend Puerto Rico 2026

Foresight Institute
Foresight Institute•Apr 1, 2026

Why It Matters

A low‑cost, open‑source lunar timing network would prevent fragmented standards, lower mission risk, and accelerate the growth of a coordinated cis‑lunar economy.

Key Takeaways

  • •EPIC project aims to launch low‑cost lunar timing cards.
  • •Open‑source timecard uses atomic clock, costs $5‑10k per unit.
  • •Standardized form factor mirrors CubeSat model for rapid adoption.
  • •Distributed timing infrastructure reduces risk, enables parallel lunar mission development.
  • •Coordinated lunar time essential for navigation, communications, and cooperation.

Summary

Philip Linden presented the EPIC (Epoch of Time) initiative, a collaboration between the Open Lunar Foundation, Microchip and RIT, to develop a “space‑time card” – a compact, atomic‑clock‑based hardware module designed to provide precise timing on the Moon. The card, roughly the size of a PC graphics card and priced between $5,000 and $10,000, is intended as a near‑term, buildable solution that precedes the deployment of a full lunar GNSS constellation.

Linden argued that shared, open‑access timing is the backbone of navigation, communications and coordinated operations, and that without a common lunar time system the emerging cis‑lunar economy could fracture into competing standards. He likened the approach to the CubeSat revolution, which lowered satellite costs from $50 million to under $50,000 by standardizing form factors and fostering an ecosystem of off‑the‑shelf components.

A prototype built by RIT demonstrated that commercial components could survive space conditions, and a second‑generation (V2) effort is already underway to harden the design for flight. Parallel university teams will develop algorithms to fuse multiple modest clocks into a network that rivals expensive GNSS‑grade timing, embodying the open‑core, transparent development model Linden advocates.

If successful, the space‑time card could democratize lunar navigation, enable emergency communications for stranded crews, and create a distributed timing fabric that reduces capital risk while accelerating commercial and scientific missions to the Moon.

Original Description

This talk is part of Vision Weekend Puerto Rico 2026, a three-day gathering of researchers and builders in Old San Juan.
The program featured 30+ presentations, along with keynotes, lightning talks, office hours, and discussions focused on “AI for X” — exploring how AI is advancing fields like neurotech, biotech, energy, and beyond.
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