Review of Mission Archive Plan for RHESSI June 9, 2008
Bob and Brian, As part of the Senior Review process you submitted your Mission Archive Plan (MAP) for review and comment. As explained in the Heliophysics (HP) Data Policy, we are encouraging each mission team to plan for a set of legacy data that will be useful for many years after the mission ends. The MAP is intended to provide a chance to organize and update your project's data management documentation in light of new algorithms, hardware, software, and an evolving HP data environment. Thus, the MAPs were to consider how the mission's data would work with the emerging HP Virtual Observatories, and the adoption of SPASE metadata, and improvements to documentation for the data consumers. The MAPs were reviewed independently from the science proposals by a "virtual data panel". The panel members were asked to evaluate the current state of archival resources for the mission and whether available documentation would allow researchers to use the data in the absence of the instrument teams; the soundness of the archival plan and the quality of the proposed products and documentation; and the proposed relationship to Virtual Observatories and Resident Archives. Following the Data Policy, you should periodically review your MAP and update it as appropriate. We will ask to review the updated plan at the next Heliophysics Senior Review which we anticipate will be in April 2010. Below are some specific comments from the review of your MAP. Thank you, Chuck Holmes Aaron Roberts ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ MAP Strengths The RHESSI archive is in excellent shape, with complete data freely available to the community, and clear connections to the VSO. The data are well documented, as are the SolarSoft routines for using it. A number of alternative access sites exist. The "visibility product" would be of great benefit. MAP Weaknesses The reliance on IDL for analysis is a potential limitation for the longer term. Overall Assessment and Instructions/Recommendations The RHESSI MAP presents a sound plan for the archiving and continuing use of the data, especially if the visibility archive is completed. The team should continue to consider the alternatives to dependence on IDL. The secondary databases that are briefly outlined look to be of significant scientific value, and the team should consider possible NRA support for their development. Your plan aligns with the HP Data Policy.