The Robo-AO software: Fully autonomous operation of a laser guide star adaptive optics and science system

TL;DR

Robo-AO is the first fully autonomous laser guide star adaptive optics system that operates independently without human intervention, streamlining astronomical observations and demonstrating autonomous functionality in real-world conditions.

Contribution

This paper introduces Robo-AO, the first system enabling fully autonomous operation of laser guide star adaptive optics in astronomy.

Findings

Successful autonomous startup and shutdown sequences.

Continuous month-long autonomous operation at Palomar Observatory.

Demonstrated reliable, hands-free adaptive optics observations.

Abstract

Robo-AO is the first astronomical laser guide star adaptive optics (AO) system designed to operate completely independent of human supervision. A single computer commands the AO system, the laser guide star, visible and near-infrared science cameras (which double as tip-tip sensors), the telescope, and other instrument functions. Autonomous startup and shutdown sequences as well as concatenated visible observations were demonstrated in late 2011. The fully robotic software is currently operating during a month long demonstration of Robo-AO at the Palomar Observatory 60-inch telescope.