Running PILOT: operational challenges and plans for an Antarctic Observatory

Andrew McGrath; Will Saunders; Peter Gillingham; David Ward; John Storey; Jon Lawrence; Roger Haynes

doi:10.1117/12.788825

12 July 2008 Running PILOT: operational challenges and plans for an Antarctic Observatory

Andrew McGrath, Will Saunders, Peter Gillingham, David Ward, John Storey, Jon Lawrence, Roger Haynes

Proceedings Volume 7016, Observatory Operations: Strategies, Processes, and Systems II; 70160G (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.788825
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2008, Marseille, France

Abstract

We highlight the operational challenges and planned solutions faced by an optical observatory taking advantage of the superior astronomical observing potential of the Antarctic plateau. Unique operational aspects of an Antarctic optical observatory arise from its remoteness, the polar environment and the unusual observing cycle afforded by long continuous periods of darkness and daylight. PILOT is planned to be run with remote observing via satellite communications, and must overcome both limited physical access and data transfer. Commissioning and lifetime operations must deal with extended logistics chains, continual wintertime darkness, extremely low temperatures and frost accumulation amidst other challenging issues considered in the PILOT operational plan, and discussed in this presentation.

Citation Download Citation

Andrew McGrath, Will Saunders, Peter Gillingham, David Ward, John Storey, Jon Lawrence, and Roger Haynes "Running PILOT: operational challenges and plans for an Antarctic Observatory", Proc. SPIE 7016, Observatory Operations: Strategies, Processes, and Systems II, 70160G (12 July 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.788825

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