Extremely Large Telescope

UK involvement in the ELT

Case Study - Observatory Sciences Ltd

Evaluation of control systems in existing infrastructure

In 2007, Observatory Sciences was awarded a contract by ESO to perform a study of the software framework to be used for the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT) Telescope Control System. This work included a software framework requirements analysis and an assessment of the technical and programmatic feasibility of using existing software. Alternative software strategies and costing estimates were also provided.

In 2008, we were contracted by ESO to an evaluation of a new standard for software known as the Data Distribution Service (DDS) in the context of the E-ELT Telescope Control System. A large, distributed software system like the E-ELT Telescope Control System will be composed of many data providers and consumers, often on different computers. The DDS (Data Distribution Service) software defines a Publish/Subscribe standard for communication of data between software components. DDS promotes loose coupling between system components which promotes easy maintenance, enhancement and evolution of a software system over a long lifetime (~30 years).

In 2009, our third and final software study for the E-ELT Telescope Control System, presented updated requirements for an E-ELT TCS software integration framework and a costed design for an E-ELT TCS software services framework using DDS.

The scale of the E-ELT presents challenges in the field of software due to the large scale and demanding performance requirements for its control systems. The long proposed lifetime of the systems (30 years or more) must also be addressed when considering a software strategy for the maintenance and enhancement of the software over this period. Software solutions adopted must be well-tested, robust and based on standards to reduce the risks of obsolescence.

“As ESO E-ELT enters its construction phase, Observatory Sciences hopes to build on its experience with the E-ELT software environment and become involved with production of E-ELT control software.”