The addition of multiple “mini-trackers” (MTs) to the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) would create in effect several four-to-six-meter class telescopes that take advantage of the SALT 10-meter diameter primary mirror’s 35 degree diameter uncorrected field-of-view. These devices, with a 100 square degree patrol area, would provide valuable follow up capability for the large astronomical surveys either in operation (e.g. MeerKAT, eROSITA, Gaia), or expected to begin operations soon (e.g. LSST, SKA, Euclid). A feasibility study was conducted to evaluate the technical practicality associated with the design, fabrication, integration, and testing of a prototype MT for SALT. The study determined that the development of a mini-tracker was indeed feasible, and work has begun on the concept design phase of the project.
We present an overview of the Intelligent Observatory (IO) and the architecture used at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) to develop instrument and telescope control and monitoring software. The IO aims to link and coordinate the usage of the SAAO telescopes and instruments for optimal efficiency. This will entail a Central Control System (CCS) selecting appropriate instruments and telescopes and controlling observations on these. This requires interoperable instrument and telescope control software. The SAAO software architecture is flexible, allows multiple user interfaces, and supports remote control and monitoring of both telescope and instrument through a web browser. Furthermore, the architecture allows an external agent (such as the IO CCS) simultaneous control of both instruments and telescopes.
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