Development of the Joint ESA-NASA Multi-Mission Algorithm and Analysis Platform (MAAP): Best Practices and Challenges in Keeping Collaborative Development on Track

The Multi-Mission Algorithm and Analysis Platform (MAAP) is a cloud-based open source science research tool jointly developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the European Space Agency (ESA). MAAP is designed to support rapid, collaborative algorithm development alongside seamless data access all within a common cloud environment. Coupled with MAAP's powerful computing capabilities, MAAP aims to provide fast turnaround and reduce cost. With twin systems in development at both ESA and NASA, MAAP will maximize the exploitation of Earth observation data associated with its first science use case: the determination of Earth's aboveground woody biomass with unprecedented resolution and accuracy utilizing the data of the GEDI, NISAR and BIOMASS missions. The capabilities envisioned for the MAAP will enable for the first time efficient and tailorable inter-comparison, cross-calibration, and fusion of data from these missions for a broad community of scientists and other users.

With its rapid collaborative development, numerous components and requirements, teams in different centers and countries, and institutional objectives that can be compatible but not identical, there is much involved in MAAP's planning, tracking, documenting and decision-making. How is the need for speedy joint development balanced with the oversight needed to ensure joint deliverables are accounted for and the effort stays in scope? What is the process on MAAP for joint decision-making? This practical talk will provide perspective from both the ESA and NASA side on how requirements, deliverables, documents, deliveries and more are jointly managed, decided and tracked in support of MAAP's development teams and international partnership. Best practices and challenges will also be discussed.