AAO Future options

1. AAO Future options 2 x 2 matrix • Governance by AAL (AAL takes role currently played by AATB) • Governance by CSIRO • Colocated with CSIRO in Sydney • Located at ANU instrumentation facility, Mt Stromlo, Canberra Each model presupposes full funding AAO in CSIRO, ASA Perth July 2008

2. CSIRO radio astronomy today • ATNF staff grouped into 4 capabilities • Astronomy and astrophysics • Radio science and engineering • Operations • Software development • Draw substantially on ICTC capability • Wireless laboratory • Deliver outcomes in 4 science themes, all managed by ATNF • Astrophysics • National Facility Operations • Technologies for radio astronomy • ASKAP ATNF Understanding the Universe AAO in CSIRO, ASA Perth July 2008

3. Reporting structure Report Advisory Committee Advice User Comm TAC AAO in CSIRO, ASA Perth July 2008

4. CSIRO Radio Astronomy today Research Program ICTC: Wireless Tech Research Program CMIS Terabyte Science Research Program CET: Solar Power Research Program Software Development Research Program Radio Sc. & Engineering Management & Support Research Program Operations Research Program Astronomy & Astrophysics Theme National Facility Operations Theme Astrophysics Theme Tech. for Radio Astronomy Theme ASKAP CAPABILITY PEOPLE RESULTS OUTPUTS AAO in CSIRO, ASA Perth July 2008

5. CSIRO astronomy in 2010 incorporating AAO • Staff grouped into 5 capabilities • Astronomy and astrophysics • Mech/Opt/Cryo engineering • Electronics • Operations • Software development • Draw substantially on ICTC capability • Wireless laboratory • Deliver outcomes in 6 science themes • Astrophysics • Australian Radio Astronomy Observatories • Australian Optical Astronomy Observatories • Technologies for astronomy • ASKAP • BOT (Big Optical Telescope) CSIRO Astronomy Understanding the Universe AAO in CSIRO, ASA Perth July 2008

6. Reporting structure Report Advisory Committee Advice User Comm TAC AAO in CSIRO, ASA Perth July 2008

7. CSIRO Astronomy 2010 Research Program ICTC: Wireless Tech Research Program CMIS Terabyte Science Research Program CET: Solar Power Research Program Software Development s Research Program Mech Cryo Opt Engineering Research Program Electronics Engineering Research Program Operations Research Program Astronomy & Astrophysics Theme Aust Radio Astron Obs Theme Technologies Theme Aust Optical Astron Obs Theme ASKAP Theme BOT Theme Astrophysics AAO in CSIRO, ASA Perth July 2008

8. Issues Funding • Current expenditure ~$12M p.a. • Current funding ~$10M p.a. • Depreciation of $2.7–5M unfunded • Siding Springs site agreement $0.5–1M below cost • Restructuring/relocation costs • AAT nearing end of life as a National Facility (~10 years) • Total cost of current operation $90M over 5 years • Likely relocation of CSIRO Marsfield to North Ryde • CSIRO/Canberra option not favoured AAO in CSIRO, ASA Perth July 2008

9. Pros of AAO in CSIRO • Optical capability gains backing of $1B p.a. science organisation (legal, financial, property, political…) • Straightforward solution for Govt., DIISR • Synergies and efficiencies • Consistent with CSIRO position on National Facilities in NIS Review submission • Provides single governance structure for Australian national astronomy infrastructure • Opportunity for coordinated advice on astronomy infrastructure – Australian Astronomy Advisory Committee • Enhance positioning for SKA and future large optical facility AAO in CSIRO, ASA Perth July 2008

10. Cons of AAO in CSIRO • Requires restructure • Potential loss of AAO ‘brand’ • Radio/optical competition for resources within CSIRO • Distraction from ASKAP and SKA developments • Increased CSIRO influence • Long term role of AAL? AAO in CSIRO, ASA Perth July 2008

11. Challenging timeline • DIISR leading development of viable options • Round table workshop 17 July(DIISR, AAO, AAL, CSIRO, ANU) • Aiming for preferred option by mid August • Alignment with response to NIS Review • Submission by DIISR for 2009 Budget AAO in CSIRO, ASA Perth July 2008