Definition of the Flexible Image Transport System (FITS)

March 29, 1999

NOST 100-2.0

NASA/Science Office of Standards and Technology
Code 633.2
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt MD 20771
USA

The NASA/Science Office of Standards and Technology (NOST) of the National Space Science Data Center (NSSDC) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has been established to serve the space science communities in evolving cost effective, interoperable data systems. The NOST performs a number of functions designed to facilitate the recognition, development, adoption, and use of standards by the space science communities.

Approval of a NOST standard requires verification by the NOST that the following requirements have been met: consensus of the Technical Panel, proper adjudication of the comments received from the targeted space and Earth science community, and conformance to the accreditation process.

A NOST standard represents the consensus of the Technical Panel convened by the NOST\@. Consensus is established when the NOST Accreditation Panel determines that substantial agreement has been reached by the Technical Panel. However, consensus does not necessarily imply that all members were in full agreement with every item in the standard. NOST standards are not binding as published; however, they may serve as a basis for mandatory standards when adopted by NASA or other organizations.

A NOST standard may be revised at any time, depending on developments in the areas covered by the standard. Also, within five years from the date of its issuance, this standard will be reviewed by the NOST to determine whether it should 1) remain in effect without change, 2) be changed to reflect the impact of new technologies or new requirements, or 3) be retired or canceled.

The Technical Panel that developed this version of the standard consisted of the following members:

• Robert J. Hanisch, Chair, Space Telescope Science Institute
• William D. Pence, Secretary, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
• Barry M. Schlesinger, Past Secretary, Raytheon STX
• Allen Farris , Space Telescope Science Institute
• Eric W. Greisen , National Radio Astronomy Observatory
• Peter J. Teuben , University of Maryland
• Randall W. Thompson, Computer Sciences Corporation
• Archibald Warnock, A/WWW Enterprises

Members of the previous Technical Panels also included:

• Lee E. Brotzman, Hughes STX
• Edward Kemper, Hughes STX
• Michael E. Van Steenberg, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
• Wayne H. Warren Jr., Hughes STX
• Richard A. White, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

This standard is published and maintained by the NOST. Send comments and orders for NOST documents to:

NOST, Code 633.2, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt MD 20771
USA
electronic mail: nost@nssdca.gsfc.nasa.gov
+1-301-286-3575
http://ssdoo.gsfc.nasa.gov/nost/

Other information about FITS can be obtained from the FITS support office. The FITS Support Office can be contacted as follows:

FITS Support Office
Code 631, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt MD 20771
USA
electronic mail: fits@fits.gsfc.nasa.gov
+1-301-286-6695
http://fits.gsfc.nasa.gov/