Python in Space Science
Daniel Vagg
System Architect @ Parameter Space
MSc Physics (Space Science and Technology)
Short talk overview
- Quick intro
- Gaia and the need for a platform
- The GAVIP platform
- Some interesting parts
- Presentations rarely end on time
2 min
3 min
9 min
(TOTAL)
2 min
Quick Intro
- I'm Dan
- I'm from Waterford
- Studied physics, worked with IT/space
- I design platforms for space science
- I send things to ~space (stratosphere)




Gaia
- Scans 1 billion stars in our galaxy using 2 telescopes
- Determine their position/motion very accurately
- Observations on either side of the sun helps determine distance

A lot of data (> 1PB)
Scientists want to analyse it
Move code to data
http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/Gaia
Why build a platform (GAVIP)?
Experiments
- Analyzed GRBs observed by Gaia (machine learning)
- Analyzed asteroids and composition!
- Visualized a billion stars in our galaxy
The GAVIP platform
(almost entirely Python):
AVI: Added Value Interface (~someones code)
GAVIP: Gaia AVI Platform

Skill transfer
BSc (FH/ESA)
FeedHenry
Masters - Space
Parameter Space
Own company
Code +
Space +
<< code
Space +
Code +
Space +
<< code
Code +
<< code
<< space
<< data analysis
The end
Fancy a chat about anything -> I'm around
Daniel Vagg
daniel.vagg@parameterspace.ie
daniel.vagg@gmail.com
Python in Space Science
By Daniel V
Python in Space Science
Brief talk - Python in Space Science
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