Connected Observatory Service by Astronomy Store

Why this service?

Modern astronomy relies on automation and remote operation: an observatory capable of functioning without on-site presence increases your usable clear sky time, improves equipment security, and opens the door to remote collaboration. Thanks to our network and software expertise, we transform an existing (or planned) observatory into a connected, secure, and remotely controllable platform.

Who is it for?

• Owners of amateur or semi-professional observatories
• Professional observatories (public or private)
• Astronomy clubs and associations
• Secondary schools and universities
• Research institutes or local authorities wishing to delegate the IT aspect

Our added value

Strength	Details
Experience	15+ years in network engineering and scientific software development
Astro-equipment expertise	In-depth knowledge of mounts, cameras, domes, weather stations, ASCOM / INDI / Alpaca protocols
Modular approach	You only choose the components you need
Security & reliability	VPN, VLAN segmentation, firewalls, strong authentication (MFA), IDS/IPS, redundancy, automated backups
Responsive support	7-day support, proactive monitoring, optional SLA

Modular services

1. Pre-project Audit & Consulting

• Analysis of existing infrastructure
• Definition of scientific & operational objectives
• Technical specifications and timeline

2. Network & IT Architecture Design

• Topology (LAN, Wi-Fi, fiber, radio-link)
• Selection of active equipment (routers, PoE switches, firewalls)
• Addressing plans, VLAN, QoS, segmentation

3. Hardware supply & configuration

• Acquisition servers (industrial mini-PCs, NUCs, Raspberry Pi)
• NAS/RAID storage bays, UPS, and IP PDUs
• Long-range access points, IP surveillance cameras

4. Automation & remote control

• Integration of mount/dome/camera/filter wheel/focusers
• Scripts and micro-services (Python, Node-RED…) interoperable with ASCOM / INDI
• Web dashboard & mobile app

5. Access control & cybersecurity

• Site-to-site VPN or remote user access
• MFA (TOTP, physical keys)
• Real-time logging and alerts

6. Custom software development

• Observation scheduling, REST and Graphql APIs, image databases
• White-labeled interfaces or integration into your existing site

7. Deployment, testing, and training

• Functional testing & simulated weather stress-tests
• User training (on-site or remote)
• Comprehensive documentation

8. Maintenance & Support

• 24/7 monitoring (Prometheus, Grafana, custom)
• Software updates and security patches
• Bronze / Silver / Gold maintenance contract (SLA up to 4 h)

Project workflow

1. Free initial consultation
2. Detailed audit on-site or remotely
3. Custom design & quote
4. Pilot phase / prototype
5. Deployment & training
6. Ongoing support

Deliverables

• Functional & technical specifications
• Network diagrams (Visio) and rack documentation
• Versioned source code (Git)
• User manual and procedure sheets

Advanced options

• Live streaming of astronomical events
• Artificial intelligence for anomaly detection (weather, tracking)
• Integration of environmental sensors (dust, humidity, seismic)
• Cloud/hybrid hosting and data sync (Nextcloud, AWS S3, MinIo ...)

Guarantees & compliance

• GDPR compliance for personal data
• CE-certified equipment and manufacturer warranties
• Professional liability insurance included

How to get started?

Contact us by e‑mail (support@astronomy‑store.fr) or phone 09 72 11 26 82. We’ll arrange a first meeting (video call or on-site) to frame your project and provide a detailed quote.

— Astronomy Store
E-commerce specialized in astronomical instrumentation and software development
SIRET: 93265563200010