Data Quality Analysis at the Spitzer Science Center

摘要

Data Quality Analysis (DQA) for astronomical infrared maps and spectra acquired by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope is one of the important functions performed in routine science operations at the Spitzer Science Center of the California Institute of Technology. A DQA software system has been implemented to display, analyze and grade Spitzer science data. This supports the project requirement that the science data be verified after calibration and before archiving and subsequent release to the astronomical community. The software has an interface for browsing the mission data and for visualizing images and spectra. It accesses supporting data in the operations database and updates the database with DQA grading information. The system has worked very well since the beginning of the Spitzer observatory's routine phase of operations, and can be regarded as a model for DQA operations in future space science missions.