The Spitzer science operations system: how well are we really doing?

The Spitzer Space Telescope was successfully launched on August 25th, 2003. After a 90 day In Orbit Checkout and Science Verification period, Spitzer began its five and one half year mission of science observations at wavelengths ranging from 3.6 to 160 microns. Early results from Spitzer show the observatory performing exceptionally well, meeting performance requirements in all areas. The California Institute of Technology is the home for the Spitzer Science Center (SSC). The SSC is responsible for selecting observing proposals, providing technical support to the science community, performing mission planning and science observation scheduling, instrument calibration and performance monitoring during operations, and production of archival quality data products. This paper will address the performance of the Spitzer science operations for the first nine months of the mission, covering science efficiency, science planning and scheduling metrics, data through-put and processing durations, system improvements, and science community interest. This work was performed at the California Institute of Technology under contract to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.