Unlocking the Universe with High-Precision Data Recording
Pioneered in collaboration with MIT Haystack Observatory and NASA/GSFC, the Mark 6 is the premier global standard for disk-based VLBI data recording—capturing the first historic image of a black hole.
16 Gbps sustained recording across four 10GigE input ports
Global VLBI standard deployed at leading observatories worldwide
Fully open-source software with Linux OS and COTS hardware
Mark 5 upgrade path with seamless compatibility
Trusted by European VLBI Network, East Asia VLBI Network, and Event Horizon Telescope
Premier Global Standard for VLBI Data Recording
Proven performance in high-precision astronomical observations and long-baseline interferometry
High-Speed Data Recording
Four 10GigE input ports deliver sustained 16 Gbps recording capability for capturing astronomical data from multiple radio telescopes simultaneously.
Real-world application:
Event Horizon Telescope captured the first image of a black hole using Mark 6 systems deployed across global observatories.
Flexible & Upgradable
COTS hardware architecture supports up to four 8-disk modules with easily upgradeable components, protecting your investment as technology evolves.
Real-world application:
Existing Mark 5 SATA disk modules seamlessly upgrade to Mark 6 with available upgrade kits.
Robust Software Support
Fully open-source software stack (C and Python) running on Linux OS with support for all common VLBI data formats and scatter/gather file system.
Real-world application:
DiFX correlator support for VDIF and Mark 5B data formats enables smooth transition from legacy systems.
Technical Advantages Built In
Four 10GigE Input Ports
16 Gbps sustained recording across multiple telescopes
Up to 32 Disk Slots
Supports four 8-disk modules for massive storage capacity
Linux OS (Debian & CentOS)
Open-source software stack with C and Python
All Common VLBI Formats
VSI-S and XML command set support
DiFX Correlator Support
VDIF and Mark 5B data format playback
Scatter/Gather File System
Manages slow or failed disks without data loss
Mark 6 Documentation and Resources
Comprehensive guides, manuals, and technical documentation for Mark 6 deployment
Purchase Options
Flexible configurations for new systems and Mark 5 upgrades
Full Mark 6 16 Gbps System from Conduant Corp
Complete turnkey system with all hardware and software
SSD OS Disk Option
Faster boot times and improved reliability
Upgrade Existing Mark 5 System to Mark 6
Seamless transition from Mark 5 with upgrade kits
Purchase Mark 6 Disk Modules
Available with or without disks
Upgrade Kits for Mark 5 SATA Modules
Preserve your investment in existing hardware
Global Usage of the Mark 6 VLBI Data Recording System
Deployed at leading observatories and VLBI networks worldwide
Trusted by more than 12 leading observatories and VLBI networks worldwide
Ready to Deploy Mark 6 at Your Observatory?
Our VLBI specialists will design a Mark 6 solution tailored to your observatory's exact requirements—at no cost.
Discuss upgrade paths, new systems, and Mark 5 migration strategies.