Open Source Software Policy Options for NASA Earth and Space Sciences (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780309482714)

Modern science is ever more driven by computations and simulations. In particular, the state of the art in space and Earth science often arises from complex simulations of climate, space weather, and astronomical phenomena. At the same time, scientific work requires data processing, presentation, and analysis through broadly available proprietary and community software.1 Implicitly or explicitly, software is central to science. Scientific discovery, understanding, validation, and interpretation are all enhanced by access to the source code of the software used by scientists.

This report investigates and recommends options for NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) as it considers how to establish a policy regarding open source software to complement its existing policy on open data. In particular, the report reviews existing data and software policies and the lessons learned from the implementation of those policies, summarizes community perspectives, and presents policy options and recommendations for implementing an open source software policy for NASA SMD.

Author: National Academies of Sciences Engineeri, Division on Engineering and Physical Sci, Space Studies Board
ISBN-10: 0309482712
ISBN-13: 9780309482714
Publisher: National Academies Press
Language: English
Published: 01/27/2019
Pages: 108
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.70lbs
Size: 10.90h x 8.40w x 0.30d