MNRF Management and milestone achievements Chris Evans AAO

MNRF Grant AAO Gemini Instrumentation –Back Office Support –Pre-concept study for WFMOS (KAOS) –Ukidna concept study (WFMOS prototype) –WFMOS Proposal –WFMOS Feasibility Study –Instrument technology studies

Scope of presentation AAO program Current position Management arrangements

AAO program The AAO program has a number of components: –Gemini support –VLT nights –KAOS concept study –UKiDNA concept study –WFMOS –Instrument technology studies

Gemini support –This is to provide support for aspects of Australia’s participation in the International Gemini Observatory Proposal submission to ATAC Print, verify and distribute proposals Provide technical assessments on behalf of the Australian Gemini office Checking of Phase 2 observing sequences Queue observing support at Gemini North and South

VLT nights Goal is to provide the Australian astronomers with additional access to 8-metre telescopes. The deliverable is 5 nights of guaranteed time for Australian astronomers on the ESO VLT – value AUD 325,000 This has been obtained in return for the AAO’s investment of AUD 325,000 in the OzPoz fibre positioner. The nights have been allocated in the period 1 st October 2004 to 31 st March 2005.

KAOS concept study The goal was to provide an initial conceptual design for the WFMOS proposed for Gemini. This was carried out in collaboration with the US National Optical Observatories (NOAO). The study resulted in the publication of the KAOS Purple Book. This has played a vital role in the selection of WFMOS as a high-priority second-generation instrument for Gemini.

Ukidna concept study The goal was to design an instrument that could serve as a prototype for WFMOS using the AAO’s Schmidt Telescope as a test-bed. This study was halted on 31 December 2003 in preparation for the AAO’s bid for the WFMOS feasibility study. The UKiDNA study delivered a detailed report and a published paper.

WFMOS The initial goal was to carry out a technical feasibility study for a Wide-Field Multi-Object Spectrograph (WFMOS) for Gemini. This is one of the high priority second generation instruments for Gemini. The feasibility study has just completed in May 2005.

Instrument technology studies There are three major components to these studies to enable new instrument concepts: –Starbugs –Fibre Bragg gratings –Astrophotonics

Starbugs Is a prototyping study of self-propelled robots for carrying relay optics to allow efficient utilization of large telescope focal planes, potentially in cryogenic environments.

Fibre Bragg gratings This is the development and prototyping of a new optical fibre technology for suppressing emission lines.

Astrophotonics This covers the development of a range of new optical fibres for astronomical applications This covers the development of a range of new optical fibres for astronomical applications

Value of program AAO program runs from FY 2002/03 to FY 2006/07 There are two funding components: –In kind contributions, and –DEST cash

Budget details – program

Milestones

Budget

Budget – pie chart

Budget details - funds source

Management All the MNRF projects are subject to the normal AAO project management process Details of the management process follow

AAO Management Process A typical project management process is followed. A project manager is appointed to oversee the administration of the project. A plan is developed based on the scope of work and this is estimated and budgeted Resources are allocated Milestones are set and t he program is monitored and reported Continued……….

AAO Management Process - continued Normal PM controls are established –Work breakdown structures –Schedules are established with milestones –Routine reporting is conducted –Progress is established on both a cost and schedule basis –Technical goals and accomplishments are determined by review

Accomplishment Measured by delivery date, quality of delivery and cost compared to budget allocation.

Accomplishment for Gemini support Judged by user feedback to Australian Gemini office Technical assessments and Phase 2 checking completed on time (set by ATAC and Gemini) – schedule exists for current semester Time line is agreed between chair of ATAC and AAO Staff effort will be doubled later in 2005 (Heath Jones to join from ANU)

Program milestones Planned dates for performing activities and for meeting milestones

Program milestones - 1 Gemini Support –Dates: 30 March to 30 September each year –Status: On schedule –Support provided at agreed level

Program milestone – 2 VLT nights –Five nights allocated in October 2004 –How allocated? –Allocated to xxxxx –Dates are xxxx

Program milestones - 3 KAOS concept study –Planned completion date: June 2003 –Status:Completed June 2003

Program milestones - 4 UKiDNA concept study –Report delivered 31 December 2003 –Resulted in the development of new technologies toallow WFMOS to proceed Modified spine design Positioner geometry to accommodate spherical focal surface

Program milestones - 5 WFMOS

Program milestones – 6 Instrument Technology studies

Major Milestones

Project Budget and contributions

Milestones and payments

End End of formal presentation