VLT end-to-end science operations: the first three years

Peter J. Quinn; Fernando Comeron; Roberto Gilmozzi; Gautier Mathys; Michele Peron; Benoit Pirenne; David R. Silva

doi:10.1117/12.460754

2 January 2002 VLT end-to-end science operations: the first three years

Peter J. Quinn, Fernando Comeron, Roberto Gilmozzi, Gautier Mathys, Michele Peron, Benoit Pirenne, David R. Silva

Proceedings Volume 4844, Observatory Operations to Optimize Scientific Return III; (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.460754
Event: Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation, 2002, Waikoloa, Hawai'i, United States

Abstract

The end-to-end operations of the ESO VLT has now seen three full years of service to the ESO community. During that time its capabilities have grown to four 8.2m unit telescopes with a complement of four optical and IR multimode instruments being operated in a mixed Service Mode and Visitor Mode environment. The input and output of programs and data to the system is summarized over this period together with the growth in operations manpower. We review the difficulties of working in a mixed operations and development environment and the ways in which the success of the end-to-end approach may be measured. Finally we summarize the operational lessons learned and the challenges posed by future developments of VLT instruments and facilities such as interferometry and survey telescopes.

Citation Download Citation

Peter J. Quinn, Fernando Comeron, Roberto Gilmozzi, Gautier Mathys, Michele Peron, Benoit Pirenne, and David R. Silva "VLT end-to-end science operations: the first three years", Proc. SPIE 4844, Observatory Operations to Optimize Scientific Return III, (2 January 2002); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.460754

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