Authors: Jose Marcos (Telespazio UK for ESA), Aitor Ibarra (Telespazio UK for ESA), Richard Saxton (Telespazio UK for ESA), and Anthony Marston (ESA)
Abstract:
The XMM-Newton Science Analysis System (SAS) is the application used for processing the data obtained with the scientific instruments on board XMM-Newton, an indispensable tool that has been helping scientists in the publication of nearly all refereed scientific papers published up to date. The XMM-Newton Science Operation Centre has been working to bring modern technologies and modernize SAS infrastructure to keep SAS running for more than 20 years.

We would like to present the evolution from the ad-hoc monolithic building system to a new SAS building system based on Docker and Kubernetes technologies. Containerization through Docker encapsulates SAS and its intricate dependencies (CFITSIO, Qt, Grace and WCSTools), providing documentation of the configurations and ensuring consistency across diverse operating systems. Kubernetes orchestrates this constellation of containers, automating scaling, resource management, and fault tolerance. The integration streamlines deployment, reduces configuration overhead and optimizes resource utilization.

This presentation navigates the SAS integration within Docker containers and Kubernetes. These technologies streamline the establishment of diverse environments for software development, test automation, validation, and data analysis. Altogether, this unified ecosystem harmonizes research and development, enabling a rapid, reliable, and collaborative approach to advancing X-ray astronomy.