The Spitzer Science Center: system description and lessons learned due to two years of operations

摘要

The Spitzer Space Telescope was successfully launched on August 25th, 2003. After a 98 day In Orbit Checkout and Science Verification period, Spitzer began its five and one half year mission of science observations at wavelengths ranging from 3.6 to 160 microns. Results from the first two years of operations show the observatory performing exceedingly well, meeting or surpassing performance requirements in all areas. The California Institute of Technology is the home for the Spitzer Science Center (SSC). The SSC is responsible for selecting observing proposals, providing technical support to the science community, performing mission planning and science observation scheduling, instrument calibration and performance monitoring during operations, and production of archival quality data products. This paper will provide an overview of the Science Operations System at the SSC focusing on lessons learned during the first two years of science operations and the changes made in the system as a result. This work was performed at the California Institute of Technology under contract to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.