The Robo-AO automated intelligent queue system

TL;DR

Robo-AO is the first fully automated laser adaptive optics system that efficiently schedules and conducts large-scale astronomical surveys, achieving high observation rates and coordinating with space assets automatically.

Contribution

This paper introduces Robo-AO's automated queue system, enabling large-scale adaptive optics surveys with minimal human intervention and automatic coordination with space assets.

Findings

Completed the largest adaptive optics surveys to date

Achieved an average of 20 targets per hour

Automated coordination with US Strategic Command

Abstract

Robo-AO is the first automated laser adaptive optics instrument. In just its second year of scientific operations, it has completed the largest adaptive optics surveys to date, each comprising thousands of targets. Robo-AO uses a fully automated queue scheduling system that selects targets based on criteria entered on a per observing program or per target basis, and includes the ability to coordinate with US Strategic Command automatically to avoid lasing space assets. This enables Robo-AO to select among thousands of targets at a time, and achieve an average observation rate of approximately 20 targets per hour.