Core Data and Computing Services Program

The Core Data and Computing Services Program (CDCSP) will provide a layered architecture on which SMD science Divisions can seamlessly and efficiently integrate their discipline-specific services such as data archives. Central to the development of Core Data and Computing Services will be the integration of new and existing data and computing capabilities, including existing Division capabilities, into a modular and secure architecture such that they are reusable by all SMD Divisions.

SMD Core Data and Computing Services will: 

  • Develop SMD-wide data and computing infrastructure to support Open Science 
  • Develop services to support the adoption of SPD-41a by SMD Divisions

Data and Computing Architecture Study

The CDCSP is shaped by the NASA SMD Data and Computing Architecture Study, which released its final report on August 5, 2024. Learn more about the Data and Computing Architecture Study.

Core Data and Computing Services Background

Open Science is the principle and practice of making research products and processes available to all, while respecting diverse cultures, maintaining security and privacy, and fostering collaborations, reproducibility, and equity. Broad adoption of Open Science best practices will be critical to increasing the transparency, pace, and inclusivity of the scientific process.

SMD’s Office of the Chief Science Data Officer (OCSDO) is leading efforts to develop an SMD-wide data and computing infrastructure to support Open Science by initiating SMD Core Data and Computing Services. Core Data and Computing Services will provide a foundation for a layered architecture (Figure 2) over which SMD science Divisions can seamlessly and efficiently integrate their discipline-specific services. Central to the development of Core Data and Computing Services will be the integration of new and existing data and computing capabilities into a modular and secure architecture such that they are reusable by all SMD Divisions. The infrastructure and services provided by this program will make it easier for SMD Divisions to support Open Science in alignment with SMD Policy Document 41a (SPD-41a).

The Core Data and Computing Services Program (CDCSP) flows from U.S., NASA, and SMD priorities/strategies. The program will define a Core Architecture of general Core Services across SMD Divisions and unique Core Services for each Division.
The Core Data and Computing Services Program (CDCSP) flows from U.S., NASA, and SMD priorities/strategies. The program will define a Core Architecture of general Core Services across SMD Divisions and unique Core Services for each Division.

What will the SMD Core Data and Computing Services Program do?

  • Develop and operate an extensible SMD-wide cloud computing framework that is harmonized with existing high-end computing capabilities
    • Technical support including onboarding, cost modeling, transition planning and best practices
    • Account and configuration management (e.g. tools supporting configuration management, egress, billing and metrics)
    • Security and financial controls
    • Backup solution for irreplaceable data
  • Provide funding and technical support for Division prototypes and testing of cloud storage and compute while the SMD-wide cloud computing framework is being developed
  • Provide access to and management of public data programs for hosting and distribution of Division-defined high-value NASA science datasets within commercial public data programs
  • Provide resources to help grantees gain no-overhead access to cloud computing, including training, design, cost modeling and design of cloud-native analysis software 
  • Provide resources and platforms to support discovery and access of scientific data, scientific information, and software

SMD Core Data and Computing Services Division and Community Engagement

Community Engagement 

  • RFI: “Scientific Data and Computing Architecture to Support Open Science” released January 5 2023, closed Feb 21 2023; 75 responses received (internal and external), final report in progress
  • Public Virtual Townhall for RFI: Scientific Data and Computing Architecture (January 16, 2023)
  • 17 Open Workshops (Fall 2022) that included talks from relevant internal and external organizations
  • 2-day SMD User Needs Open Workshop (Oct 12-13 2022, hybrid at GSFC)

SMD Division Engagement

  • 4 Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs) held with Division archives (BPS, HPD, APD, and PSD) to gather specialized Division needs
  • Bi-weekly Study Steering Committee meetings held with Division representatives (Fall 2022)
  • Regular briefings to Division on Study and Core Data and Computing Services development activities

If you have any questions about the Core Data and Computing Services Program, please contact Elena Steponaitis and Andrew Mitchell.

Keep Exploring

Discover More Topics From NASA

James Webb Space Telescope

The image is divided horizontally by an undulating line between a cloudscape forming a nebula along the bottom portion and a comparatively clear upper portion. Speckled across both portions is a starfield, showing innumerable stars of many sizes. The smallest of these are small, distant, and faint points of light. The largest of these appear larger, closer, brighter, and more fully resolved with 8-point diffraction spikes. The upper portion of the image is blueish, and has wispy translucent cloud-like streaks rising from the nebula below. The orangish cloudy formation in the bottom half varies in density and ranges from translucent to opaque. The stars vary in color, the majority of which have a blue or orange hue. The cloud-like structure of the nebula contains ridges, peaks, and valleys – an appearance very similar to a mountain range. Three long diffraction spikes from the top right edge of the image suggest the presence of a large star just out of view.

Perseverance Rover

Parker Solar Probe

Juno