Many software applications have scripting needs including those based on the Goddard Mission Services Evolution Center (GMSEC) framework. In GMSEC, a user may want to automate the actions to take when a sequence of events occurs. Ideally, the scripting solution should allow the use of a familiar programming language and avoid unnecessary constraints. The existing GMSEC Criteria Action Table (CAT) is limited in these respects.

Hammer is a tool that provides a robust scripting solution for Java interfaces. Hammer leverages the Java ScriptEngine API for the heavy lifting, which provides support for literally dozens of languages. The user can employ standard and user-defined Java libraries within their script. Using Hammer, GMSEC scripts have been written in Ruby, JavaScript, Python, and Lua. The same approach as that used with the GMSEC library could be applied to other Java libraries.

This work was done by Robert Wiegand and Kyle Bridenstine of Goddard Space Flight Center. NASA is seeking partners to further develop this technology through joint cooperative research and development. For more information about this technology and to explore opportunities, please contact Scott Leonardi at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. GSC-17240-1