Reusable Java Library and Science Planning Tools

Reference#: P01844

Many present software libraries were built before the World Wide Web hence are not readily deployable over the Web and are limited to only a specific platform. In addition, some software libraries are highly coupled to specific missions and require significant resources to adapt them for other missions.

The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory's Reusable Java Library and Science Planning Tools was based on the concept described in the Hierarchical Design models to specifically improve the reusability of library components. The Reusable Java Library and Science Planning tools are implemented in Java language for deployment on any platform over the Web.

The library contains two major layers. The System Independent (SI) Layer contains software written in Java that can be used in any space-related project. The SI layer has been used in six NASA projects. The Mission Independent Science Planning Tools (MISPT) Layer is a value added layer built on top of the SI layer and is also written in Java. This layer is designed specifically for building planning tools for any space mission. The MISPT layer has been used in building mission specific planning tools for five NASA missions.

The SciBox provides benefits during proposal development, mission development, mission operation, and post observation phases of a space mission. During the proposal phase, the SciBox can be used in evaluation of the mission design by allowing trajectory visualization and construction, in evaluation of the instrument suites through field of view visualization, to generate a preliminary operation schedule, and to generate a science requirement feasibility analysis. During mission development the SciBox can generate a resource budget analysis, hardware requirements analysis, and to automate and validate the operation strategy planning. During mission operation, the SciBox helps maximize resources and improve efficiency while reducing risk through the use of visualization and prediction tools. Finally, during post observation the SciBox provides observation condition visualization and analysis.

The SciBox can have a major impact on the way space business is conducted in the future. The SciBox offers users the opportunity to increase their proposal competitive edge, shorten the mission development time, improve operation efficiency, reduce mission operation risk and to maximize their science return.

Ms. H. L. Curran
Phone: (443) 778-7262