Laying the Groundwork for the Development of the Data Archive of the New Robotic Telescope

TL;DR

This paper discusses the development of a new, versatile data archive system for robotic telescopes, aiming to modernize and unify data management across multiple observatories.

Contribution

It presents the design considerations for a flexible data archive system tailored for the Liverpool Telescope, the New Robotic Telescope, and the Thai National Astronomical Research Institute.

Findings

A single universal system is insufficient for all needs.

Custom back-end solutions are necessary for different telescope data flows.

A modular front-end approach can unify user experience.

Abstract

The Liverpool Telescope has been in fully autonomous operation since 2004. The supporting data archive facility has largely been untouched. The data provision service has not been an issue although some modernisation of the system is desirable. This project is timely. Not only does it suit the upgrade of the current LT data archive, it is in line with the design phase of the New Robotic Telescope which will be online in the early-2020s; and with the development of a new data archive facility for a range of telescopes at the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand. The Newton Fund enabled us to collaborate in designing a new versatile generic system that serves all purposes. In the end, we conclude that a single system would not meet the needs of all parties and only adopt similar front-ends while the back-ends are bespoke to our respective systems and data-flows.