SAS in ESA Datalabs: A New Platform for XMM-Newton Analysis

TL;DR

The paper introduces the XMM-SAS Datalab, a cloud-based, interactive platform that enhances X-ray data analysis for ESA's XMM-Newton mission by integrating SAS with modern tools for collaboration, reproducibility, and ease of use.

Contribution

It presents a novel cloud-based implementation of SAS within ESA Datalabs, enabling collaborative, reproducible X-ray data analysis with a modern interface and streamlined environment.

Findings

Reliable replication of local SAS outputs demonstrated

Enhanced collaboration and reproducibility achieved in X-ray data analysis

Reduced setup time and complexity for users

Abstract

XMM-Newton is a cornerstone mission of the European Space Agency (ESA) for X-ray astronomy, providing high-quality X-ray data for astrophysical research since the start of the century. Its Science Analysis System (SAS) has been a reliable data reduction and analysis software, evolving throughout the years to meet changing user needs, while incorporating new methods. This paper presents the XMM-SAS Datalab, a tool within the cloud-based ESA Datalabs platform, designed to enhance the interactivity and collaborative potential of SAS. By integrating SAS with a modern, Python-based JupyterLab interface, it enables shared analysis workspaces, removes the need for local software setup, and provides faster access through containerised environments and preconfigured libraries. Moving SAS to the cloud preserves a consistent software setup while eliminating installation complexities, saving time and effort. A case study of the X-ray binary Vela X-1 demonstrates that the Datalabs platform reliably replicates local SAS outputs, with minimal deviations attributed to calibration file versions. The XMM-SAS Datalab allows straightforward X-ray data analysis with collaborative process, setting the way for future adaptations in e-science platforms and multi-wavelength astronomy, while offering traceability and reproducibility of scientific results.