Rotation Optimized Filter for Longevity (ROFL): Increasing the lifetime of Swift/UVOT simply

TL;DR

This paper proposes a simple software change to the UVOT filter assignment algorithm that reduces filter wheel rotations by over 10%, potentially extending the instrument's operational lifetime.

Contribution

It introduces a novel, safe planning software modification that significantly decreases filter wheel rotations, enhancing UVOT longevity.

Findings

Filter wheel rotations reduced by over 10%

Potential extension of UVOT's operational lifetime

Simple software change with significant impact

Abstract

I demonstrate that a very simple and safe change to the planning software filter assignment algorithm for the Ultraviolet/Optical Telescope (UVOT) onboard the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory can reduce the number of filter wheel rotations by $>10\%$, and its adoption is thus likely to significantly extend the usable lifetime of the UVOT instrument. I recommend that such a scheme be implemented.