Space Module
Nasa Shuttle
Your average no compromise space watch

That pretty much sums up The Space Discovery.
Do not make the mistake of thinking that
it is yet another “space-watch”. This is
a piece of equipment that redefines what
a watch can and should do in space.

The Halda Concept

The Halda Space Discovery is the first manifestation of the revolutionary Halda Concept, with interchangeable units for different purposes. One Time Platform, two Time Modules. Each Time Module is tailored for optimum performance in its respective environment. For the Mechanical Module that means on earth. For the Space Module it means in space.

Read more about the Halda concept »

Mechanical Module close up
The journey: developing a watch for space

You can only do so much testing on earth. Sooner or later you have to try it in its designated environment. For the Halda prototype that meant Mission STS-128, which launched on August 28, 2009.

When a space mission launches it is the result of years and years of planning and preparation. After lift-off, time is the most precious commodity and every single second is measured and used to its fullest, meaning that the only time an astronaut is not working is when he or she is sleeping. This would give the Halda prototype countless opportunities to show its worth.

Thus when the crew of STS-128 returned to earth we were eager to evaluate the data and their feedback. First of all we learned that the modern Halda prototype performed every bit as well as expected. From counting MET and accurately showing the different earth times, to measuring G's and counting particles, the Halda prototype simply shone. We also received invaluable feedback on a few key areas that could be improved. The following improvements have been made as a direct result of the feedback on using the Halda Space Discovery all the way from lift-off to touchdown.


The Flight Strap; material upgrade.

We have improved the flight strap to make it even stronger, and also added material to the inside of the strap to make it more comfortable to wear.

The Display; enhanced legibility.

We fine tuned the wavelengths of the colour of the light in the display. This might seem like a minor detail, but in reality it greatly improved the usability of the watch.

Docking Mechaninsm; upgrade to Triple Security.

Now the Space Module locks to the Time Platform by using a three step process. This is more or less the same system that astronauts use when locking their helmets to the space suits before working in space. When “engaged” the module is safe. When “locked”, the triple-safety docking-system eliminates any risk of the Space Module accidently coming loose.

 

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Read about the improvements »

Photos © NASA

Shuttle
Halda Watch Co in-house development – what sets us apart.

The various functions that make the Space Module a true tool for the astronaut have been researched and developed in-house by the Halda team.

Inside the TECAMAX™ case, cutting edge technology is driven by a low power consumption microprocessor for ultimate efficiency for both the LCD display and LED backlight as well as the specific space functions: The G-Force sensor and The Particle Counter.

Space Module
Safety First: fool proofing your next space trip.

It is mandatory to change the glass of the Space Module from the earth standard sapphire crystal to the space standard Hesalite Crystal before going to space. The reason for this is safety. The way other crystals normally used in watches shatter when broken can become a hazard in space. Changing to Hesalite Crystal takes care of this problem, and of course this is a service we provide free of charge.

The Halda Space Discovery comes with what we call The Flight Strap, a velcro strap made to secure the Space Discovery to your arm when a metal link is undesirable. It is designed to meet the toughest requirements. Each Flight Strap comes individually numbered, just as the watch itself.

Space strap

Triple Safety

The Halda Docking System locks the Space Module to the platform by using a three step process. Inspiration for this came from astronaut feedback. The system uses the same terminology astronauts do when locking the helmet to the space suit. When “Engaged” the module is safe. When “Locked” the triple-safety docking system eliminates any risk of the Space Module accidently coming loose.

Triple Safety
Backlight

The backlight

Extensive research has been made in order to optimize the wavelengths of the colour of the backlight, which is controlled by an automatic light sensor. The backlight adapts to the surrounding light to deliver optimum legibility in all situations.

A new material

The case of the Space Module is made of TECAMAX™, a material developed for military and space use. It is certified by NASA and meets the toughest requirements of durability and precision. TECAMAX™ is extraordinarily light with outstanding isolation capabilities and strength, such as enduring high temperatures and exposure to acid and chemicals.

A new material

The G-force sensor

The integrated 3-axis accelerometer measures G-forces in three dimensions. This gives the astronaut access to critical information during key times of the Space Mission, such as take-off and landing. Max recorded G-forces are stored for evaluation.

Earth Time

In orbit you cover a lot of ground fast – in 24 h you go around the world 16 times. This is why we have developed The Earth Time function. It allows for easy access to local time and time zones of 192 countries on earth. In addition to this, the Space Module display shows Dual Times (two world times shown simultaneously) and full calendar functions, a chronograph and splits down to 1/10 s. Add to that Mission Elapsed Time (MET), Countdown, MET and UTC Alarm, 24 h timer and an Event log and you are ready to go.

Earth time

Technical data: Space Module

CASE

TECHNOLOGY

FUNCTIONS

Material

The case of the Space Module is made of TECAMAX, a new material certified by The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA, and proven to meet tough requirements of durability and precision. It is extraordinarily light with outstanding isolation capabilities and strength. It endures extreme temperatures and exposure to acid and chemicals.

Each of the Time Modules is uniquely marked with an individual number from 1 to 128.

Case dimension

Diameter 45 mm, Thickness 17,60 mm

Case back

Stainless Steel with a deep etching engraving on case back

Crystal

In space: domed Hesalite crystal.
On earth: domed sapphire crystal.

When going to space Halda Watch Co. will without cost change the crystal to a domed Hesalite Crystal.

Water Resistant

5 atm (equivalent to a water pressure at a depth of 50 m)

General

The electronic movement in the Halda Space Discovery is developed in-house by Halda Watch Co. It combines the latest technology and it is constructed with a low power consumption microprocessor. It has a tailor made LCD display with LED backlight.

Electronic Movement Calibre

HS 2009-1

Software

SD-A, SPACE DISCOVERY Version A

Push Buttons

3 push buttons with an easy to use interface

Battery

High capacity battery (600 mAh)

Power Save Mode

The electronic has a built in power save mode to save battery consumption. At normal use of the watch in Power Save Mode, the battery is expected to last approximately 2 years.

Accelerometer

The watch has an integrated 3-axis accelerometer measuring G-forces in three directions.

Light Sensor

Integrated in the watch is a light sensor that constantly measures the light and when needed the backlight in the watch start automatically.

Sound

The watch has an integrated piezo element creating sound for reveille, alarm etc

Software Version

SD-A, SPACE DISCOVERY Version A

Dual Time

Two world times are shown simultaneously. Full calendar function displaying current day, date, month, year and week.

Chronograph

Timekeeping and split time presented down to an accuracy of 1/10th second.

Timer

24-hour timer.

UTC Alarm

Alarm set relative to UTC (Universal Time Coordinated).

MET Alarm

Alarm set relative to MET (Mission Elapsed Time).

Event Log

Logging function for various events. For each event the date, UTC-time, and a serial number is stored. Log up to 99 events.

Reveille

An alarm clock adjustable to sound either once at set time or same time every day, or only on weekdays.

Countdown

A countdown to a certain point in time/a certain day. Shows number of days, hours, minutes and seconds remaining until selected time.

Mission Time

Countdown for lift off can be set for a precise time. At the set time, the watch automatically begins measuring acceleration during lift off, displaying current G-forces as they occur. Once acceleration stops, the function automatically displays Mission Elapsed Time (MET). This function is based on the NASA Countdown 101 protocol, the official framework for space shuttle lift-off. It is also prepared to accommodate the countdown protocol for the new generation of Are rockets.

Earth Time

Earth Time lets you know what the time is in various parts of the world. Here you will find all the countries of the world, see their local time and their time zone.

G-Force

Acceleration, the G-force, can be measured automatically during liftoff, during the re-entry phase, or be initiated at a chosen point in time. During measurement, the highest G-force value is stored in a separate memory.

Space Module Technical Data