On October 25, the project Control System for Astri mini-array (CCS-Central Control System), requested by Italy’s National Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics (INAF) was launched at the Advanced Center for Electrical and Electronic Engineering (AC3E) at Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María (UTSFM).

The Center recently won the project and the launch event took place in the presence of authorities, researchers and academics.

Among participants were Seremi (regional government representative) of Science, Technology and Innovation of the Central Macrozone, Mr. Jorge Soto; UTFSM rector Mr. Juan Yuz; AC3E director Dr. Matías Zañartu, as well as international astronomy experts.

The project contemplates the design of a central control software for the operation of nine telescopes of an Italian observatory on the island of Tenerife, Spain, which will allow it to be operated and controlled from anywhere in the world, obtaining accurate information on data flow, weather stations, datacenter, energy management, among others.

This project is led by UTSFM academic and AC3E researcher Dr. Mauricio Araya, who has more than 10 years of experience in the creation and development of telescope control software, knowledge that allows him to be at the forefront of this major initiative.