OA - Observing Assistant (Summit/HQ): Like on every other night, the OA is responsible for the safety of those on the summit and for the telescope and facility. In addition to running the telescope, usually, the OA will run the AO system. The OA controls one of the "permissives" for propagating the laser.
SA - Support Astronomer (HQ): The SA is responsible for the safety of the instrument, including the AO system. The SA will assist the observer in running the instrument and communicating with the LGS-AO staff. The SA will occasionally run the AO system and will lead in instrument or AO troubleshooting. The SA will help the observer decide whether or not to continue lasing when the humidity is hovering just below the close criteria.
Observer - a.k.a. astronomer (HQ/Mainland): The observer will come prepared with an excellent science program and a back-up program if weather or technical issues prevent laser operations.

Working Laser
Target Approval
Less than 1 magnitude of extinction
No Aircraft
LTCS permission

Working Laser & beamtrain
Complex System The K1 laser occasionally requires some manual adjustments at night while the K2 laser is nearly turn-key. For both LGS systems, the center launch beamtrain has multiple optics that must be kept aligned.
Target Approval
Space Command Targets must be submitted via the starlist submission page 3 business days before your night. Each approved target allows propagation within a 2 arcminute radius. Late Targets On occasion, space command will approve a new target with less than 3 days notice. Generally, this must be a target that was previously unknown (e.g. a GRB or SN). To submit a new target: Re-submit your entire list with the new target Follow-up with an email to with a description of why this target was not previously available. Email or call if you do not get confirmation from your SA
Less than 1 magnitude of extinction
Propagation through clouds We can propagate the laser through thin clouds. Once clouds are thicker than 1 magnitude, it becomes very difficult to keep the laser locked on the AO system.
No Aircraft
Laser Safety Our transponder-based aircraft detection system (TBAD) will automatically shutter the laser if an aircraft is detected within a safety margin of where the telescope is pointed.
LTCS Permission
Traffic Control LTCS stands for Laser Traffic Control System. It is responsible for determining whether our laser beam (Rayliegh scatter) or the LGS spot is visible to another telescope. Keck and most other Maunakea Observatories operate on the "first on target" rule that permits any observatory to complete its observations in progress.