Software architecture themes in JPL's mission data system

The rising frequency of NASA mission launches has highlighted the need for improvements leading to faster delivery of mission software without sacrificing reliability. In April 1998 Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) initiated the Mission Data System (MDS) project to rethink the mission software lifecycle-from early mission design to mission operation-and make changes to improve software architecture and software development processes. As a result, MDS has defined a unified flight, ground, and test data system architecture for space missions based on object-oriented design, component architecture, and specific frameworks. This paper describes architectural themes shaping the MDS design and how they help meet objectives for faster, better, cheaper mission software.