In the context of formulating standards, I have one particular aspect
in mind that specifically arose in the context of our XTE (x-ray timing
explorer mission of NASA) efforts. The system to support the Guest
Observers was originally designed to be object-oriented. However the
Guest Observer Facility (GOF) is part of a larger multi-mission effort,
Office of Guest Investigator Programs (OGIP) and High Energy
Astrophysics Science Archive Research Center (HEASARC). It was realized
that an object-oriented development for the XTE GOF would not easily
fit into the tools (FTOOLS, XSPEC, XRONOS) already developed and
instituted by OGIP/HEASARC.
It would be nice if such issues could be addressed whereby technology
insertion can be facilitated despite the problems posed by the legacy
systems.
Abdur Rahim Choudhary