Tony writes-

I also think that if Python became known as the "beginner's language", then that would be a *much* bigger success than if it became the language of choice for CS1. Far more people program than take CS1 courses.

I doubt whether the folks using it in connection with the Hubble project think of themselves as beginners in any sense. It is a tool of choice, very much so. With the world of possibilities open to them. It is important, to me, that it - and other projects like it (there are many) - be on Python's resume as such. And why the "beginners language" thing is a misnomer in some important ways. Though not untrue in itself. Art