March GeMS Run Cancelled

The Gemini South laser suffered a fault towards the end of the last GeMS run in February. The laser power has been lost to a level that prohibits useful science. Unfortunately, despite all the efforts of the laser team, we were not able to recover the laser during the run. The problem has been identified and a plan is under development to recover, which involves replacement of key hardware parts and realignment of the system. Internal and external specialists will collaborate to complete this work and return the laser to the level required to do science. Unfortunately, due to complexity and scheduling constraints, we have determined that this work can not be completed in time for the March run. Therefore, we have no other option than to cancel the upcoming GeMS run in March. Canceling this run will give the laser team a larger window to work together and recover the system to a good state for the April GeMS run.