Abstract
Data infrastructure systems such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Planetary Data System (PDS), European Space Agency (ESA) Planetary Data Archive (PSA)and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Data Archive and Transmission System (DARTS) archive large amounts of scientific data obtained through dozens of planetary exploration missions and have made great contributions to studies of lunar and planetary science. Since China started lunar exploration activities in 2007, the Ground Research and Application System (GRAS), one of the five systems developed as part of China’s Lunar Exploration Program (CLEP) and the Planetary Exploration of China (PEC), has gradually established China’s Lunar and Planetary Data System (CLPDS), which involves the archiving, management and long-term preservation of scientific data from China’s lunar and planetary missions; additionally, data are released according to the policies established by the China National Space Administration (CNSA). The scientific data archived by the CLPDS are among the most important achievements of the CLEP and PEC and provide a resource for the international planetary science community. The system plays a key and important role in helping scientists obtain fundamental and original research results, advancing studies of lunar and planetary science in China, and improving China’s international influence in the field of lunar and planetary exploration. This paper, starting from CLEP and PEC mission planning, explains the sources, classification, format and content of the lunar and Mars exploration data archived in the CLPDS. Additionally, the system framework and core functions of the system, such as data archiving, management and release, are described. The system can be used by the international planetary science community to comprehensively understand the data obtained in the CLEP and PEC, help scientists easily access and better use the available data resources, and contribute to fundamental studies of international lunar and planetary science. Moreover, since China has not yet systematically introduced the CLPDS, through this article, international data organizations could learn about this advanced system. Therefore, opportunities for international data cooperation can be created, and the data service capability of the CLPDS can be improved, thus promoting global data sharing and application for all humankind.
Highlights
Note by the Editor: This is a Special Communication
Ground Research and Application System (GRAS) is the only scientific data release agency authorized by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) for lunar and planetary exploration missions
The GRAS has developed China’s Lunar and Planetary Data System (CLPDS), which is used for the archiving, standardized management and longterm preservation of scientific data obtained from China’s exploration missions and releases the data in accordance with the data policies established by the CNSA (CNSA 2019)
Summary
Man-made Earth satellites, manned space flights and deep space exploration are the three major drivers of human space activities. On July 23, 2020, the Tianwen-1 probe was successfully launched by the Long March 5 rocket at the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan. The CNSA officially proposed an implementation plan for subsequent lunar exploration missions, including Chang’e-6, Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8, before 2030, as well as deep space exploration, such as Mars sampling returns, asteroid and Jupiter missions, and solar boundary exploration (Fig. 1), in the near future (Li et al 2019). GRAS is the only scientific data release agency authorized by the CNSA for lunar and planetary exploration missions. The GRAS has developed China’s Lunar and Planetary Data System (CLPDS), which is used for the archiving, standardized management and longterm preservation of scientific data obtained from China’s exploration missions and releases the data in accordance with the data policies established by the CNSA (CNSA 2019). Since August 2021, the CLPDS has published metadata information associated with
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