Use of Evolutionary Algorithms for Telescope Scheduling

LOFAR, a new radio telescope, will be designed to observe with up to 8 independent beams, thus allowing several simultaneous observations. Scheduling of multiple observations parallel in time, each having their own constraints, requires a more intelligent and flexible scheduling function then operated before.
In support of the LOFAR radio telescope project, and in co-operation with Leiden University, Fokker Space has started a study to investigate the suitability of the use of evolutionary algorithms applied to complex scheduling problems. After a positive familiarisation phase, we now examine the potential use of evolutionary algorithms via a demonstration project. Results of the familiarisation phase, and the first results of the demonstration project are presented in this paper.