Federating Access to Small-aperture Telescopes

Abstract

For approximately the last four years, a system which provides for the control and efficient use of small-aperture remote and robotic telescopes has been in operation. Allowing telescopes to be made available to large numbers of people, this system is in the process of being federated and will join the Australian Access Federation (AAF). When this process is complete, member telescopes will be readily available to staff and students of institutions federated with the AAF. The telescope control system is described in detail, and the benefits of a federated approach discussed.