If you are looking for a high-level scripting language that can work with a variety of applications, Python is a great option. NASA uses Python for a wide variety of applications, but it is especially well suited for software that can be used to automate things that are already complex.
Since the 1960s, NASA has used Python for many different tasks.
Almost every mission needs to have a reliable software to run on board, and NASA is no exception. From the mundane details of sending commands to robots to the complex work of analyzing data gathered from space, NASA software has been integral to the organizationâs operations for many years.
To manage, maintain and improve satellites.
Yes, NASA uses Python in mission-critical applications. The Agency has been using Python for mission software development since the early 2000s and has used it for several of its most complex missions. It was also one of the first organizations to use the Python programming language for its web applications. NASAâs mission software development is critical to the success of its projects. The Agency uses Python extensively to develop new capabilities and improve existing ones.
To process and analyze data from space missions.
A few programs used by NASA are written in Python, including the Mars Rover Navigation software and the Mars Exploration Rovers' robotic arm! The software tools NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) uses to process and analyze data from its spacecraft are also written in Python.
To control and monitor spacecraft.
Yes, NASA does use Python. It's used extensively in mission operations, flight software development, and other areas of the organization. The software they use is primarily open source and available on GitHub. The software they use for mission operations is called the Space Exploration Network (or SELEN).
To operate and maintain the International Space Station (ISS).
Yes! In fact, there are over 1,500 lines of Python code in the software that runs on the ISS. The software runs on a NASA-built computer called the Tranquility Node 3, which is part of the pressurized part of the station.
To provide mission support to astronauts.
Yes, but not for space travel. It's used for the Mars rovers and the InSight Mars Lander, which are currently exploring the red planet, and future missions to the moon and Mars. These robots use the language to control their functions, with the help of a software called the Mars Rover Flight System. If you would like to use Python for tasks in space, you can check out the open source framework, OpenSpaces.
To process, analyze and store data from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST).
Yes, NASA has used Python to process images from the Hubble telescope since 2009. The software they use to do this is called the AstroPy software package. It includes a number of different functions that can be used to analyze images from the telescope. These include calibrating and removing cosmic-rays from images, finding objects within an image, and extracting the brightness of different parts of an image.
Conclusion
The answer to this question is yes, definitely. In fact, Iâd like to go a step further and say that most of the work done by NASAâs engineers involves using Python. And not just any Python, but the enhanced version known as âNASA standard Pythonâ or NSP.