Image Quality Improvement Plan

Abstract

As of June 2026, the delivered image quality from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory is not yet meeting design specifications for the total system contribution to the PSF FWHM, ellipticity, and uniformity of the PSF size and shape across the field of view. A technical pathway exists to meet all of the SRD design specifications with continued work on the Active Optics System (AOS) and environment control. We present an image quality improvement plan based analyses and experience from the Early Operations system optimization period, including strategy, priorities, and milestones for image quality improvements. We summarize currently known issues, and describe the offline analyses, on-sky engineering needs, daytime engineering needs, and expected timeline to resolve each issue.