[UPDATE #2] A Farewell to Advanced Requests: Preparing for TL4

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Hello everyone!

As we move closer to the launch of Telescope Live 4 (TL4), we’re incredibly excited about the innovations coming to the platform. 

Over the past week, we’ve introduced you to TL4’s new features, including the Telescope Live Partner Network, a revamped dataset system, and a redesigned gallery experience.

However, as we build for the future, some features will be left behind. 

Today, we want to address one of the most significant changes: the retirement of Advanced Requests.

For many years, Advanced Requests have been a powerful tool for custom astrophotography, allowing users to submit personalized imaging requests. 

We know this feature has played a big role in how many of you engage with Telescope Live, which is why we want to explain why it’s being retired and what’s coming next.

Why Are Advanced Requests Being Retired?

First of all, you need to know that this wasn’t an easy decision.

We know that many users have relied on Advanced Requests for custom observations. 

However, after careful evaluation, we realized that continuing to support this feature would limit the scalability and efficiency of TL4. 

Here’s why:

1. Aging Infrastructure

Advanced Requests were built on an older cloud architecture that is no longer sustainable within TL4’s modernized ecosystem. 

Retrofitting this system would require a significant investment of time and resources - ultimately slowing down the development of new, more scalable features.

2. A Shift Toward Pre-Curated Datasets

TL4 is designed around a dataset-first approach, offering ready-to-use, high-quality observations that eliminate the complexity of managing individual observation requests.

Each dataset is built from multiple hours of exposure time (often exceeding 10+ hours), carefully curated from several observaing sessions to ensure deep, high-quality data.

Pre-calibrated FITS files allow users to dive straight into post-processing, while sample datasets provide an easy way to explore data before committing credits and the Partner Network ensures a continuous flow of new, diverse datasets and targets.

This streamlined approach makes data more accessible and ensures a consistent quality standard across the platform.

3. Integration Challenges

We explored ways to modernize Advanced Requests or integrate them into the Partner Network, but ultimately, the complexity of these systems made it impractical to maintain. 

Instead of investing resources into sustaining a difficult-to-maintain feature, we are focusing on expanding dataset access, refining the user experience, and improving community-driven data offerings.

What This Means for You

We understand that Advanced Requests have been an essential tool for many users, and we want to make the transition as smooth as possible. 

Here’s what you need to know:

• Advanced requests will remain available for 3 months after the launch of TL4

You can continue submitting Advanced Requests and access your data within the TL3 interface until the end of this period.

• TL3 and TL4 Will Coexist Temporarily

TL3 will remain active in parallel with TL4, ensuring that existing users can complete ongoing projects before the transition is complete.

• Download Your Data

Be sure to save any Advanced Request datasets before the cut date, as TL3 will be fully retired after this date (don’t worry, you will be reminded well in advance).

• No Immediate Changes

Until TL4 officially launches, Advanced Requests will remain fully operational in the current TL3 interface.

What’s Next? The Future of Advanced Imaging in TL4

While Advanced Requests are being phased out, we are actively exploring new ways to support advanced imaging needs in TL4. Here’s what you can expect:

• The Partner Network

Gain access to a growing archive of diverse, high-quality datasets from world-class astrophotographers and observatories.

• Syndicate Rentals (In Development)

We are considering introducing group-based telescope rentals, allowing users to collaborate on shared imaging projects.

• Custom Observing Options

Future collaborations with Partner Network contributors may enable specialized custom imaging opportunities.

• Suggest New Targets

As a TL4 user, you’ll have the ability to suggest new targets for observation. This will help expand the dataset collection with rare, unique, or high-priority objects, ensuring that the most relevant data continues to be captured.

We’d love to hear from you!

If you have feedback or ideas on how we can support advanced imaging needs in TL4, let us know!

Looking Ahead with TL4

While saying goodbye to Advanced Requests marks the end of an era, the future of Telescope Live 4 is brighter than ever.

Here’s a reminder of what’s coming:

• Thousands of Curated Datasets

Access a vast, ever-expanding archive of pre-calibrated astrophotography data.

• Revamped Gallery & Wallpapers

Showcase your creativity, earn credits, and explore stunning images from the community.

• Comprehensive Tutorials

Learn from expert astrophotographers with step-by-step guides for all skill levels.

The transition to TL4 is designed to make data access faster, astrophotography easier, and collaboration stronger - and we’re confident these innovations will empower you to create even more incredible images.

Have Questions or Feedback?

We know this is a big change, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. 

If you have any questions about the transition or need assistance with Advanced Requests, don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team or join the discussion in the Community Forum.

Thank you for being a valued part of the Telescope Live community. 

Your support has shaped this platform, and we can’t wait to take this next step forward together!