The Autonomous Real-time Remote Observatory (ARRO)

The Autonomous Real-time Remote Observatory (ARRO) is a new observing platform being developed for use on the Antarctic polar plateau. It will accommodate an integrated suite of instruments, with the goal of enabling reliable multi--instrument observations from multiple sites. The observatory will include a power system and heated space sufficient for a dozen or more experiments, as well as data acquisition, data storage, and real--time transmission of at least some data via satellite. The observatory will also be capable of receiving and reacting to pre-defined commands transmitted by satellite. Although the observatory will be designed specifically for year--round operation in the challenging environment of the Antarctic plateau, it will also be capable of operating in polar climates in general, including Arctic regions. Two prototype units are currently being built. One of these will be installed on Mount Washington and will serve as the local test and training facility. The second unit will be deployed to the South Pole a year for on-site testing.