Białków Large Telescope inside the dome

Field systems and instrumentation

Telescope Software and Automation

Control software, telescope automation and hands-on diagnostics where cameras, sensors, networks and mechanical systems meet.

  • Systems
  • Software
  • Delivery
60 cmtelescope software
32 cmtelescope automation
81 + 87 nightsacross four campaigns in Chile and work on the 60 cm telescope in Białków

01 / Context

Problem

Observatory systems have to operate reliably in the field, where software faults, instrument behaviour and environmental conditions are inseparable.

02 / Scope

My responsibility

I developed and operated telescope software, worked with CCD cameras and diagnosed systems during observing campaigns and on-site work.

03 / System

How it works

A deliberately simplified view of system boundaries and data movement.

Telescope system flow from sensors and CCD cameras through control, automation and diagnostics to scientific data.
  1. 01Sensors and CCD cameras
  2. 02Telescope control software
  3. 03Automation and diagnostics
  4. 04Observation execution
  5. 05Scientific data

04 / Delivery

What I built

  • Developed software for a 60 cm telescope.
  • Worked on automation of a 32 cm telescope.
  • Integrated and diagnosed CCD camera and control-system behaviour.
  • Applied extensive field experience in Chile and during operation of the 60 cm telescope at Białków Observatory.

05 / Decisions

Constraints and trade-offs

  • Observatory automation must fail visibly and remain diagnosable when remote recovery is limited.
  • Field reliability depends on understanding the complete hardware-software path, not only application code.

06 / Tools

Project stack

The technologies used across the system, grouped by the job they perform.

Software and operations

  • Python

    Observatory-support and automation tools

  • Linux

    Instrument and observatory operating environment

  • Networking

    Remote operation and field diagnostics

Instrumentation

  • Telescope control

    60 cm operation and 32 cm automation

  • CCD cameras

    Imaging hardware and acquisition diagnostics

  • Sensors

    Instrument and environmental inputs

  • Hardware-software integration

    End-to-end integration and fault isolation