The SMAP Science Data System (SDS) converts telemetry downloaded from the SMAP observatory into Science Data Products provided to the science community for research and applications. The SDS is designed to process and distribute data products in a timely manner as required to meet mission objectives. The SDS facility includes computer hardware dedicated to operational data production as well as hardware for use by the SMAP science algorithm development team to enhance algorithmic accuracy and performance.

The Science Data System is housed primarily at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California. JPL is responsible for implementation of software to generate Level 1 radar instrument data products and Level 2 and Level 3 geophysical data products. The Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, Maryland houses components of the SDS and is responsible for implementation of software to generate Level 1 radiometer instrument data products and Level 4 geophysical data products.

To facilitate the software development process, the SDS includes a Testbed Facility to enable development and testing of the software that will be used to automatically generate the science data products once SMAP is in orbit. To foster strong cooperation between science algorithm developers and software engineers the Science Data System team shares this facility with members of the SMAP Science Algorithm Development Team.