NASA’s SOFIA Program
The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) program, a project of NASA, has implemented a digital signage network in their Ames Research Center located in Mountain View, California. Powered by the Mvix platform, their digital signage network consists of 5 screens across 3 of their facilities. The digital signage solution allows SOFIA program personnel to communicate easily, displaying flight and maintenance schedules, and day-of and post-flight activities.
Introduction
SOFIA is a Boeing 747SP aircraft modified to carry a 2.7-meter reflecting telescope, allowing astronomers to study the solar system and beyond. It is essentially a Flying Telescope. The airborne observatory is an 80/20 joint project of NASA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) respectively. SOFIA is operated and maintained by NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center and its program, science, and mission operations are managed by NASA’s Ames Research Center and the German SOFIA Institute.
The Challenge
NASA’s SOFIA Program needed a user-friendly way to communicate across different locations. SOFIA goes on 10-hour flights, observing the infrared universe and gathering data for researchers to study. The growing program has created large program personnel across different locations. In order to operate efficiently and easily, NASA needed an effective communication strategy.
Prior to their digital signage implementation, NASA team members relied on their email and other systems to find information regarding the SOFIA program operations. This communication method took personnel away from their core job tasks in order for them to gain vital information on flight schedules, flight activities, and other functions.
Deployment and Usage
NASA’s SOFIA Program implemented a digital signage network of 5 screens across 3 facilities, all powered by the Mvix Digital Signage Platform. The Mvix solution offered a robust platform for NASA personnel to manage the displays and upload content remotely. This helped with efficiency as they did not need to be at each facility physically in order to update the displays. Their screen could be updated with the most up-to-date information from anywhere.
Why It Worked
The digital signage network helped SOFIA program personnel communicate more efficiently across their facilities, relaying important information about flight and maintenance schedules. As a result of the digital signage implementation, SOFIA program personnel noted more effective communication across their facilities. Team members know where they can find information quickly without having to log into their emails or any other systems. The easy-to-read screens quickly became their “go-to information hubs” for their maintenance and operation teams.
In fact, because of the effectiveness of their digital signage network, NASA will be adding another system in the German Aerospace Center (DLR) headquarters in Germany to further their communications regarding the SOFIA program.
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