Space Physics Data Facility Mission Statement

The mission of the Space Physics Data Facility (SPDF) is to enhance the scientific return from NASA programs in Space Physics including the disciplines of: Solar Physics; Cosmic and Heliospheric Physics; Magnetospheric Physics; and Ionospheric, Thermospheric and Mesospheric Physics. The SPDF will lead in the definition, development, and operations of data systems and services for space physics research, promote collaborative efforts in the collection and utilization of space physics data and models, and respond to the research needs of the space physics community. The SPDF will work closely with other elements of the Goddard Space Sciences Directorate, and with other organizations and groups, both within and outside NASA, to pursue the strategic objectives of the Directorate and of Goddard, and to contribute to the excellence of the NASA Space Physics Program.

To address these goals, the SPDF will

• Support current thrusts in NASA Space Physics programs (e.g., ISTP/GGS) and their international extensions (e.g., IACG/IASTP)

  • In the design, development and implementation of innovative information systems to promote effective management, distribution and use of space physics data and models;
  • In the coordination and planning of science operations and data collection;
  • In the definition and promotion of standards and policies to ensure the generation and effective use of science data products;
  • In the organization and implementation of programs to enable national and international cooperation in addressing correlative science objectives.

• Work to ensure that space physics data are properly archived and accessible

  • As an integral part of the SPDF support for the ISTP and IACG;
  • As part of the key role of the SPDF in the Space Physics Data System (SPDS);
  • As a partner of the National Space Science Data Center (NSSDC), as one element of the Space Science Data Operations Office (SSDOO), and with other GSFC organizations (e.g., the Solar Data Analysis Center).

• Perform space physics and information systems research

  • To be knowledgeable of the needs of the space physics research community and to best apply the latest computer and information systems technologies to satisfy those needs;
  • To create or acquire space physics models and implement them into the appropriate data systems;
  • To verify and validate space physics data, data systems and models;
  • To contribute directly to the preeminence of NASA in space sciences and technology.

• Communicate significant discoveries from the NASA space physics programs and advance science education

  • By publishing scholarly papers in scientific journals;
  • By participating in scientific, public, and educational programs and forums, including appropriate cooperative graduate education and other training programs.

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SPDF Home Page

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— R.E. McGuire, SPDS Project Coordinator and Head, Space Physics Data Facility (code 632), NASA/GSFC

(mcguire@nssca.gsfc.nasa.gov)

4/12/95 (G.C.G)