Abstract

The GBT Dynamic Scheduling System: Development and Testing

Mike McCarty (National Radio Astronomy Observatory)

M. McCarty, M. Clark, P. Marganian, K. O'Neil, A. Shelton National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Green Bank NRAO - GB E. Sessoms Nub Games, Inc.

During the summer trimester of 2008, all observations on the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT) were scheduled using the new Dynamic Scheduling System (DSS). Beta testing exercised the policies, algorithms, and software developed for the DSS project. Since observers are located all over the world, the DSS was implemented as a web application. Technologies such as iCalendar, RSS feeds, email, and instant messaging are used to transfer as much or as little information to observers based on their desires. We discuss the software engineering challenges leading to our implementation and relate our adaptation of agile development practices to design and develop the DSS. Additionally, we describe handling differences in expected versus actual initial conditions. We then identify lessons learned from beta testing and present conclusions.

Mode of presentation: poster