What is a pds file?

PDS (Planetary Data System) file is a data format used for storing and sharing scientific information related to planetary missions, such as those conducted by NASA. PDS files contain various types of data, including images, spectra, and other measurements collected from space missions.

PDS files are typically formatted in a specific structure defined by the Planetary Data System, which includes metadata such as descriptions of the data, the instrument used to collect it, and any processing or calibration that was applied. This structured format ensures that the data can be easily accessed and interpreted by researchers and scientists.

PDS files can be viewed and analyzed using specialized software tools that are available for download from the Planetary Data System website. These tools allow users to visualize and manipulate the data in various ways, such as creating maps, graphs, and other visualizations.

Overall, PDS files are a valuable resource for the planetary science community, providing a standardized format for sharing data from space missions and enabling researchers to study and analyze the data collected in a consistent and reliable manner.