Archive File Format
Most data files on the ESPO Archive are ASCII (plain-text) files. However, the files follow a strict format (structure) to ensure that the contents of the files are fully described.
ICARTT Format
The file format currently used for all missions is the ICARTT Format. Available documentation on this format:
- http://www-air.larc.nasa.gov/missions/etc/IcarttDataFormat.htm: Webpage providing the most up-to-date format specification
- ESDS-RFC-019-v1.1_0.pdf: PDF of the specification downloadable from the ESPO archive
Ames Format
The file format used by all missions prior to 2011 is the Ames Format (a.k.a. Hipskind and Gaines format). Available documentation on this format:
- Ames format overview
- File naming overview
- Ames format specification 2.0: Full HTML version of the specification