Python is actually widely used in scientific community, guys working on data analysis from CERN LHC are heavily relying on Python + NumPy + SciPy for their work as well.

It's easy to learn and makes data analysis really easy with "batteries included" approach (and costs way less than often problematic and buggy MatLab on Linux).

From that link it seems that Python is used at NASA exclusively in ground-based systems. In contrast, the MicroPython+ESA collaboration is supposedly also looking at using the language in "payloads", ie things that go into space.