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Reference.org
SPICE (observation geometry system)
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<p>SPICE (Spacecraft Planet Instrument C-matrix Events) is a <a href="/facts/NASA/TIMCV0yV">NASA</a> ancillary information system used to compute geometric information used in planning and analyzing science observations obtained from robotic spacecraft. It is also used in planning missions and conducting numerous engineering functions needed to carry out those missions. </p><p>SPICE was developed at NASA's Navigation and Ancillary Information Facility (NAIF), located at the <a href="/facts/Jet_Propulsion_Laboratory/zPXnxRBf">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a>. It has become the <i>de facto</i> standard for handling much of the so-called observation geometry information on NASA's planetary missions, and it is now widely used in support of science data analysis on planetary missions of other space agencies as well. Some SPICE capabilities are also used on a variety of astrophysics, solar physics and earth science missions. </p>