James Heasley (Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawaii), Robert E. Eek (Science Applications International Corporation), Wayne L. Smith (Science Applications International Corporation), Julie A. Rosen (Science Applications International Corporation), The Pan-STARRS team Pan-STARRS Project (Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawaii)
Keywords: Pan-STARRS
Abstract:
This paper describes the requirements and design of the Pan-STARRS PS1 Published Science Products Subsystem (PSPS) that constitutes the primary distribution tool for the very large amount of science data products produced by the Pan-STARRS PS1 prototype telescope. The data management challenges are identified in terms of stressing characteristics: dynamic, fast, spatial, and large; these are countered by mitigating characteristics: simple and lenient. This combination of characteristics is not only distinctly more demanding than traditional survey astronomy data managers, but lies at the boundaries of current commercially available data management technology. The requirements imposed on the PSPS result in devising a design strategy at the boundaries of currently available data management technology. In particular, we describe the capabilities and characteristics of the four main PS1 PSPS components: the Web-Based Interface (WBI), the Data Retrieval Layer (DRL), the Object Data Manager (ODM), and the Solar System Data Manager (SSDM). Potential architectural strategies are examined in the context of the stressing and mitigating characteristics with the conclusion that the ODM should follow an architectural concept that emphasizes the pooling of application, processing, and storage resources. The PS1 PSPS is specifically designed to support the PS1 science mission (see K.C. Chambers et al., these proceedings) while at the same time providing substantial design direction for a future PSPS component of the final PS4 Pan-STARRS. Finally, the limitations and possible scalability of the PS1 design relative to PS4 are discussed.
Date of Conference: September 10-14, 2006
Track: Pan-STARRS