A global network of robotic telescopes

A concept is presented for a global network of robotically operated 2m-class telescopes, operating as a single globally distributed observatory, for follow-up from the emerging generation of gigapixel focal plane survey telescopes and the investigation of time-domain phenomena. The concept is developed from a model of approximately fifteen networked telescopes of varying apertures and instrumentation compliments, and an exploration of the operating principles of the network. A network architecture is presented which is able to deliver the remote operational support of this network. The operating requirements of the unit telescope design are developed.