From Tape Reels to Global Access: A History and Future Vision of NASA's Scientific Data Management

Since its creation in the late 1950s, NASA has collected space science data and information that span astrophysics, Earth science, planetary science, heliophysics, and biological and physical sciences. While these data were critical to NASA's objective of expanding human knowledge of space, the early days of scientific data and information management were characterized by a fragmented and under-resourced approach. Information management practices typically lacked standardization, comprehensive archival routines, and adequate funding. This paper reviews NASA's scientific data management journey, from its early, inefficient stages to its current status as a widely adopted process focused on open access. By systematically reviewing a series of National Academy of Science reports and other relevant white papers from the early 1980s to the present, this study identifies common themes and persistent challenges related to the scientific data management lifecycle, data accessibility and reusability, advancing technology trends, and policy and collaboration. The paper highlights significant improvements in data management at NASA, including data standardization, infrastructure development, and the adoption of open data policies. Finally, the paper considers the future of scientific data management at NASA, emphasizing the need for holistic knowledge assimilation, faster integration processes, and the critical role of scientific data stewardship in the age of artificial intelligence.