Secure, efficient, and effective communication is critical for the multinational Cassini mission to Saturn. Cassini teams share information through the use of internal Web pages. The challenge was to develop dynamic Web pages that did not require special understanding of HTML complexities and the implementation of complex Web server access controls.
Web page content is usually defined for the user with maximum access. Users with restricted access then have difficulties clicking on links they have no permission to view. Previous Web pages were statically generated and unable to dynamically customize view content based on Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) group membership.
The Cassini Structured Homepages Framework (CASH) drastically simplifies this operation by supplying the site administrator with a small set of XML files that specifies both content and associated access control. The site administrator modifies these files to achieve the desired content and access control updates. The Web framework then fabricates a customized experience for each user, allowing the site administrator to skirt the complexities of HTML, CSS, and PHP.
CASH ensures Cassini Web pages are ITAR-compliant, easy to maintain, and consistently formatted. It verifies user LDAP group membership and customizes the Web page view based on customizable access controls. Each subdirectory in the Web page structure can have unique access controls specified in a configuration file.
This work was done by Andrew P. Darwin and Delvison Castillo of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The software is also available for download from https://github.com/nasa/cash . This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Dan Broderick at
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
CASH: Framework for Streamlined, Daily Updates
(reference NPO-49266) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document outlines the Technical Support Package for the Cassini Structured Homepages (CASH) framework, developed to modernize and streamline the maintenance of team webpages associated with NASA's Cassini mission. The initiative aims to address the challenges posed by the static nature of existing webpages, which complicates compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and requires multiple copies of each webpage for compliance purposes.
The CASH project, initiated by interns Andrew Darwin and Delvison Castillo, focuses on creating a unified structure for team webpages that enhances user experience while facilitating easier updates and maintenance. The framework is designed to separate content management from the underlying code, allowing non-programmers to make necessary modifications without needing extensive technical knowledge. This modular approach promotes a dynamic and user-friendly environment for webpage management.
Key features of the CASH framework include the use of XML as a markup language, which simplifies the process of creating and managing webpage content. The design allows for the concealment of restricted content based on security requirements, ensuring that sensitive information is only accessible to authorized users. The framework also emphasizes a customizable template for a unified layout, making it easier for users to navigate and interact with the content.
The document highlights the importance of ITAR compliance and the need for a system that can efficiently manage restricted content while providing a cohesive user experience. By leveraging existing technologies and focusing on user configurability, the CASH framework aims to reduce the time and effort required for webpage maintenance, ultimately enhancing communication within the team and with external stakeholders.
In summary, the CASH framework represents a significant advancement in the management of team webpages for the Cassini mission, addressing compliance challenges and improving usability. The project exemplifies NASA's commitment to innovation and efficiency in aerospace-related developments, with broader implications for technology transfer and application in various fields. The document serves as a resource for understanding the framework's objectives, design, and potential impact on future web management practices within NASA and beyond.
