SPICE Kernel Archive Preparation Guide

The process of preparing a SPICE kernel archive includes the following steps:

1. collecting and preparing the data

2. preparing the NAIF PDS4 Bundler setup

3. running NAIF PDS4 Bundler

4. checking the result and finishing up

5. if needed, packaging and delivering the archive to NAIF

Each of these steps is described in a separate section below.

• Step 1: Preparing Data
  • Identifying Data
  • Collecting and Preparing Data
    • Merging Files
    • Sub-setting Files
    • Augmenting Files with Comments
    • Renaming Files
  • Validating Data
  • Binary Kernels Endianness
  • Preparing Meta-kernels
    • Generating MKs Manually
    • Generating MKs Automatically
    • Bundle coverage and MKs
    • Releases without MKs
  • A Word on Orbit Number Files
  • A Word on Other Files
  • Obtaining a DOI
  • Writing the Release Plan
    • Using no Release Plan
    • Meta-kernels in the release plan
• Step 2: Preparing the NAIF PDS4 Bundler Setup
  • Workspace Setup
    • Working Directory
    • Kernels Directory
    • ORBNUM Directory
    • Staging Directory
    • Bundle Directory
  • Determination of the Archive Release Version
  • SPICE Kernel descriptions across the archive
  • SPICE Data Set Catalog File
  • Install and/or update the NAIF PDS4 Bundler
  • Write and/or update the NPB Configuration File
• Step 3: Running NAIF PDS4 Bundler
  • Run NPB from the command line
  • Interactive step for Meta-kernels
  • Understanding NPB prompting and logging
  • What if something goes wrong?
  • Processing large binary kernels
  • Until you get it right
• Step 4: Checking the Result and Finishing Up
  • Checking PDS artifacts
  • Verifying the Archive using the PDS Validate Tool
    • Running Validate manually
  • Deploying to the Final Archive Area
  • Cleaning up the Workspace
• Step 5: Packaging and Delivering the Archive to the NAIF Node

These steps are summarized hereunder:

• Step-by-Step Summary
  • Steps for Creating a New Archive
  • Steps for Adding Data To an Existing Archive