Breaking the cost curve in observatory operations

The new generation of very large telescopes have brought with them large operations budgets. If these budgets continue to scale in proportion to construction costs as they have in the past, finding the operating funds for even larger telescopes now being planned may be more challenging than funding construction. I suggest that the modes of operation commonly being used at major observatories in remote sites be re-examined. With the availability of high bandwidth connections, observations can be carried out remotely from the partner institutions, and there is no need for observers to travel to the observatories. With careful attention to quality and ease of maintenance during construction, the telescope and its instruments can be kept in full operation by a relatively small local staff. The high bandwidth connection allows full monitoring and diagnostic information on the performance of the telescope and instruments at the partner institutions, and they can be responsible for the high-tech support of the facility. Cost savings are achieved through lower-maintenance equipment, a smaller staff at the observatory, and direct participation of the partner institutions and their scientists and technical staff.