RTCSpy: a robotic telescope control system for multi-telescope array with sub-minute ToO response

Abstract

We present RTCSpy, a network-based robotic telescope control system for fully autonomous operation of multitelescope arrays. RTCSpy provides end-to-end automation—including startup, science observation, calibration image acquisition and shutdown—while coordinating all telescope units through real-time, network-based communication. Its operational framework integrates both synchronized control and automated decision-making by evaluating target priorities, available resources, and weather conditions within a unified framework, while a dedicated target-of-opportunity (ToO) manager monitors external alerts and enables sub-minute rapid ToO response. Deployed since August 2024 on the 7-Dimensional Telescope(7DT), RTCSpy has demonstrated stable nightly operation and reliable rapid response performance. Its network-based architecture also supports straight forward expansion to additional units and multi-site arrays, enabling coordinated observations across distributed facilities.