Chandra data archive operations

Arnold H. Rots; Sherry L. Winkelman; Stephane Paltani; Edward E. DeLuca

doi:10.1117/12.460662

2 January 2002 Chandra data archive operations

Arnold H. Rots, Sherry L. Winkelman, Stephane Paltani, Edward E. DeLuca

Proceedings Volume 4844, Observatory Operations to Optimize Scientific Return III; (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.460662
Event: Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation, 2002, Waikoloa, Hawai'i, United States

Abstract

The Chandra Data Archive plays a central role in the Chandra X-ray Center (CXC) that manages the operations of the Chandra X-ray Observatory. We shall give an overview of two salient aspects of the CDA's operations, as they are pertinent to the operation of any large observatory. First, in the database design it was decided to have a single observation catalog database that controls the entire life cycle of Chandra observations (as opposed to separate databases for uplink and downlink, as is common for many scientific space missions). We will discuss the pros and cons of this design choice and present some lessons learnt. Second, we shall review the complicated network that consists of Automated (pipeline) Processing, archive ingest, Verification & Validation, reprocessing, data distribution, and public release of observations. The CXC is required to deliver high-level products to its users. This is achieved through a sophisticated system of processing pipelines. However, occasional failures as well as the need to reprocess observations complicate this seemingly simple series of actions. In addition, we need to keep track of allotted and used observing time and of proprietary periods. Central to the solution is the Processing Status Database which is described in more detail in a related poster presentation.

Citation Download Citation

Arnold H. Rots, Sherry L. Winkelman, Stephane Paltani, and Edward E. DeLuca "Chandra data archive operations", Proc. SPIE 4844, Observatory Operations to Optimize Scientific Return III, (2 January 2002); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.460662

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available