ACROSS Pilot

The Astrophysics Cross-Observatory Science Support (ACROSS) pilot is an outcome of the Phase 1 TDAMM Study. The purpose of the ACROSS pilot is to demonstrate the value proposition and validate the design of a new organizational construct chartered to:

1. Improve access to NASA’s astronomical observatories for members of the general observing community,
2. Improve coordination and agility of cross-observatory workflows, and
3. Maximize the scientific return of NASA’s contributions to the diverse, global, and evolving TDAMM ecosystem.

Core Functional Elements

The core functional elements of ACROSS are modeled on a NASA mission science support center, sometimes also known as a mission general observer facility. Although there are important differences in the scope of ACROSS as compared to a mission science support center, the three core functional elements are:

1. A web portal providing access to open-source software and data systems that facilitate cross-observatory workflows,
2. A help desk to provide subject-matter expertise and facilitate coordination, and
3. An open-science community grant program to incentivize innovation.

Capability Development Focus Areas

We are working towards delivery of an Initial Operating Capability of our science support capabilities in Fall 2025.

These include:

• Web applications and an API to facilitate coordinated follow-up planning.
• Open-source software to streamline, standardize, and automate coordination workflows.
• Curated content about funding opportunities, conferences, and events-of-interest.
• Engagement, training, and assistance resources, including workshops, tutorials, and a help desk.
• General observing program, including rapid, public observations of priority sources, and grants for community science and tools, subject to funding availability.

Community Engagement with ACROSS

In March 2024, an overview and status report on the ACROSS pilot was presented to the Astrophysics Advisory Committee (APAC) at the request of the NASA Director of Astrophysics. In a letter to the Director of Astrophysics following the meeting, APAC stated:

The APAC was impressed to see the progress on TDAMM with the pilot Astrophysics Cross-Observatory Science Support (ACROSS) initiative. The APAC is unanimous in its view that awareness of and coordination between observatories within the NASA mission portfolio is a necessary first step in efficiently responding to alerts, and the APAC appreciates that there will be an Advisory Group composed of representatives from each mission. The APAC is cognizant that ACROSS intends to extend its reach to include ground-based facilities and international partners, and aims for open and equitable access to its tools, training, and infrastructure, and the APAC finds these plans are important next steps to build a TDAMM ecosystem.

The APAC’s endorsement of the ACROSS pilot, as well as the positive engagement we’ve received from the general observing community, NASA missions, the U.S. ground-based astrophysics community, and international partners, motivates further planning for the evolution and long-term implementation of ACROSS capabilities. To contribute your ideas and help define the future of ACROSS, please reach out to the points of contact below.

Points of Contact