Managing astronomical observing proposals with AstroPropose: A customizable framework applied to the Einstein Probe mission
AstroPropose:面向爱因斯坦探针任务的可定制天文观测提案管理框架
The management of observing proposals is a critical operational component for modern astronomical facilities. As missions grow in complexity, the demand for efficient, fair, and adaptable proposal handling systems is increasingly pressing. Existing systems are often monolithic and tightly coupled to a specific observatory, lacking the flexibility to be easily adapted. This paper introduces AstroPropose, a novel, general-purpose framework for creating and managing astronomical observing proposal systems, derived from the architecture of the operational Einstein Probe Observing Proposal System (EOPS). AstroPropose is centered on a powerful visual workflow engine, enabling administrators to define and deploy entire proposal workflows through a graphical interface. Key features include a dynamic form builder, a configurable workflow engine, and a flexible role-based access control (RBAC) system. We present the complete architecture and data model. As validation, we detail how the framework's design principles are embodied in EOPS, which has successfully managed two annual proposal cycles and handles daily time-critical Target of Opportunity (ToO) submissions for the Einstein Probe mission. To further demonstrate the framework's generalizability, we present a second case study: its adaptation as the proposal management prototype for the Chinese Space Station Telescope (CSST), a multi-instrument survey mission with a dual-phase review process. AstroPropose, validated through the successful operation of EOPS and the rapid prototyping of the CSST system, is being prepared for an open-source release to the astronomical community.
展开 ▾从运行中的 EOPS 系统抽象出可配置、可迁移的通用框架,支持图形化定义和部署提案工作流;已管理两轮年度征集和日常 ToO,并快速复用于 CSST 原型,展示跨任务适应能力。
传统天文设施提案系统多为单体架构,与特定望远镜紧密耦合,难以迁移和复用。AstroPropose 从爱因斯坦探针 EOPS 运行架构中抽象出可视化工作流引擎、动态表单与角色访问控制,推动提案管理由专用开发走向可配置通用平台。该框架已在 EOPS 两轮年度征集和日常时域 ToO 提交中获得验证,证明其在 X 射线暂现源场景中的可靠性;通过适配 CSST 多仪器双阶段评审原型,进一步展示了对巡天任务的适应性。未来随开源发布,更多中大型设施有望以配置式方式快速搭建提案系统,并可在工作流中扩展自动评审、机器学习辅助分配等节点。
刊出 2026-02-05 · 收录 2026-08-20