Work

Managing astronomical observing proposals with AstroPropose: A customizable framework applied to the Einstein Probe mission

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: 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.

Source: Astronomy and Computing

DOI: 10.1016/j.ascom.2026.101080