Paper detail

Overview of the SOFIA Data Cycle System: An integrated set of tools and services for the SOFIA General Investigator

The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) is an airborne astronomical observatory comprised of a 2.5 meter infrared telescope mounted in the aft section of a Boeing 747SP aircraft that flies at operational altitudes between 37,000 and 45,00 feet, above 99% of atmospheric water vapor. During routine operations, a host of instruments will be available to the astronomical community including cameras and spectrographs in the near- to far-IR; a sub-mm heterodyne receiver; and an high-speed occultation imager. One of the challenges for SOFIA (and all observatories in general) is providing a uniform set of tools that enable the non-expert General Investigator (GI) to propose, plan, and obtain observations using a variety of very different instruments in an easy and seamless manner. The SOFIA Data Cycle System (DCS) is an integrated set of services and user tools for the SOFIA Science and Mission Operations GI Program designed to address this challenge. Program activities supported by the DCS include: proposal preparation and submission by the GI; proposal evaluation by the telescope allocation committee and observatory staff; Astronomical Observation Request (AOR) preparation and submission by the GI; observation and mission planning by observatory staff; data processing and archiving; data product distribution. In this poster paper we present an overview of the DCS concepts, architecture, and user tools that are (or soon will be) available in routine SOFIA operations. In addition, we present experience from the SOFIA Basic Science program, and planned upgrades.