The Engineering Node of the Planetary Data System provides systems engineering support to the entire PDS, handling global aspects such as standards (data, software, documentation, operating procedures), technology investigations, coordination and development of system-wide software, coordination of data ordering and distribution, catalog development and implementation, and maintenance of the PDS catalogs.
In addition, the Engineering Node provides:
- Support for the design, development, and standards of the next generation PDS System, PDS4;
- Leadership in the International Planetary Data Alliance, an association of international space agency archives
- Support of working groups to resolve issues in a timely manner (e.g., Data Integrity/Tracking, Movies as an archive format, Physical Media, the PDS/NSSDC Interface)
- Support to the NASA planetary science community and public through the PDS Help Desk and the PDS HomePage.
The Engineering Node is located at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
Access to the Engineering Node internal web site is limited to PDS staff. Please contact your Engineering Node representative for user name and password.