Managing Analytical Data from Pristine Returned Samples in Compliance
with NASA’S Data Strategy: The Astromaterials Data System
Abstract
Analytical studies of astromaterials samples returned by NASA space
missions generate unique and highly valuable data that contribute
fundamentally to our knowledge and understanding of the origin and
evolution of Earth, our solar system, and the universe. These data need
to be openly accessible and curated in a manner that maximizes their
reuse in and utility for future science and that ensures their quality
and long-term preservation. In several recent strategic documents and
reports, NASA recognizes this need [1] and is adjusting its science
information policies [2]. In 2020, NASA charged the Planetary Data
Ecosystem Independent Review Board (PDE-IRB) to conduct a review of the
planetary data landscape and make recommendations for improving access
to and use of planetary science data by the science community [3].
This presentation will highlight features and services of the
Astromaterials Data System that align the IRB’s recommendations. The
Astromaterials Data System (Astromat) is a data infrastructure that has
been funded by NASA since 2018 to curate, archive, and publish
analytical data that are generated from astromaterials samples collected
by NASA missions and curated at the Johnson Space Center in the
Astromaterials Research & Exploration Science Division. Astromat’s
mission is to: preserve astromaterials data and ensure their long-term
access and reusability for new science endeavors; restore legacy data of
astromaterials samples acquired in the past; synthesize historic and new
data into a comprehensive, analysis-ready data store that allows
scientists to use new technologies such as Machine Learning and
Artificial Intelligence to explore and mine these data in previously
impossible ways. Astromat operates a data repository where researchers
can deposit their data for archiving and publications, specifically to
comply with new journal policies and guidelines for Open and FAIR data
and Data Management Plans required by funders. The repository follows
international best practices. Astromat also maintains the Astromat
Synthesis, a relational database that integrates legacy and new data
into a harmonized data collection that allows users to find and extract
data at the granularity of individual analytical measurements and
combine these into customized new compilations for advanced data
analysis. [1] SMD’s Strategy for Data Management and Computing for
Groundbreaking Science 2019-2024. [2] Scientific Information policy
for the Science Mission Directorate, SMD Policy Document SPD-41 (August
2021). [3] Besse, S., et al. (2021). LPI Contributions 2549, 7070.