pysiaf, a Python package for the interpretation, generation, and maintenance of space telescope Science Instrument Aperture Files (SIAF)

A space telescope Science Instrument Aperture File (SIAF) contains the detailed geometric focal plane descriptions and relationships that are necessary for science operations. For HST and JWST these files are part of the Project Reference Database (PRD). pysiaf is a public python package to access, interpret, maintain, and generate SIAF products and content (https://github.com/spacetelescope/pysiaf). This package currently supports JWST fully and HST partially, i.e. without generation capability, and it can easily be expanded to serve other missions, e.g. WFIRST, or ground-based observatories. For JWST, pysiaf replaces the previous maintenance scheme that was based on Excel spreadsheets. The package provides tools for accessing SIAF parameters, applying frame transformations, visualizing apertures, and for the comparison, verification, and validation of SIAF products. It was designed to be a robust, traceable, and user-friendly tool during pre-launch, commissioning, and operations. This document provides a high-level description of the package, its current capabilities, and the demonstrated and anticipated operational scenarios.

1 Abstract

2 Introduction

3 Design and structure of physiaf

4 The package structure of physiaf

5 Functionalities of physiaf

6 Physiaf usage for SOC operations and support

7 Suggestions for improvement for future SIAF implementations

8 Conclusions

9 References