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Terms of Service

Last updated: [DATE — on publication]

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of www.stellardock.net, app.stellardock.net, and info.stellardock.net (together, the "Service"), operated by iTelescope Pty Ltd (ABN 90 151 752 028) ("StellarDock," "we," "us," "our"). By creating an account, you agree to these Terms.

1. Eligibility

You must be 18 years of age or older to create an individual account. Organisational accounts (business, university, or research institution "Group Accounts") may be administered on behalf of members of that organisation; the sponsoring organisation is responsible for compliance with these Terms by its users, including any users under 18.

2. The Service

StellarDock provides members with internet-based access to a network of remotely operated telescopes across multiple observatory sites, for astrophotography and photometric or scientific observation. Access is provided on a subscription basis described on our Pricing page. Accounts are created and managed at app.stellardock.net.

3. Your account

  • You are responsible for keeping your login credentials confidential.
  • You must provide accurate registration information.
  • One account per individual member, unless operating under an authorised Group Account.
  • A free account lets you explore the platform; imaging and booking require an active paid subscription or sufficient credit balance.

4. Subscriptions, credits, and billing

  • StellarDock operates on a credit system. Credits are deducted when you book a reservation or execute a plan — not when the session completes.
  • Each plan includes monthly regular credits and Discovery credits, plus plan-specific limits described on the Pricing page.
  • Regular credits expire 365 days after issue. Discovery credits expire at the end of the current billing period.
  • Telescope hourly rates are fixed and identical across all subscription tiers.
  • A 50% credit discount applies automatically to bookings made when moon illumination is 75% or higher.
  • All payments are processed by Stripe. [Legal to confirm auto-renewal, cancellation notice, and proration terms]

5. Refunds

StellarDock offers three refund mechanisms:

  • Automatic session refunds — if a session fails or partially completes, unused credits return to your balance automatically.
  • Image quality refunds — defective images (tracking errors, cloud, focus drift) can be submitted for review via My Data; approved refunds return credits to your balance.
  • Subscription satisfaction refund — if you are unhappy with the Service, we will refund your current subscription period's payment in full, provided the request is made within that billing period.

All refunds are issued to the original payment method used for the purchase. We do not issue refunds to a different payment method, account, or destination — including requests to redirect a refund to PayPal, a bank wire, a different card, or another person's account. Accounts associated with fraudulent payment methods or refund requests will be closed upon issuing any refund owed. [Legal to confirm across AU / EU / US consumer law]

6. Your imaging data

  • You own the images and data you capture using the Service.
  • Imaging data (FITS files and calibration frames) is retained for 6 months from capture, then permanently deleted. Download your data before this window closes.
  • Account, billing, and plan history is retained for 7 years for tax and record-keeping purposes, per our Privacy Policy.

7. Acceptable use

You agree not to:

  • Use the Service for any unlawful purpose
  • Attempt unauthorised access to telescope hardware, control systems, or another member's account or data
  • Resell or sublicense your account access without our written consent
  • Interfere with the safe or intended operation of the telescope network

We may suspend or terminate accounts that violate these terms.

8. Service availability

Telescope availability depends on factors outside our control, including weather, daylight, maintenance, and technical failures. We do not guarantee the availability of any specific telescope at any specific time. Our refund mechanisms (section 5) address defective imaging outcomes, not availability itself.

9. Group and organisational accounts

Group Accounts are available to businesses, education providers, and research institutions. The account administrator manages member seats, and billing is centralised to the organisation. Sponsoring organisations are responsible for appropriate use by any members under 18.

10. Intellectual property

The StellarDock platform, software, branding, and website content are owned by StellarDock and protected by applicable intellectual property law. You retain ownership of images and data you capture, as described in section 6.

11. Limitation of liability

[Placeholder — to be drafted with counsel in each of AU, EU, and US]

  • Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts, or modifies any guarantee, right, or remedy that cannot lawfully be excluded, including consumer guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law and mandatory protections under EU and US law.
  • Subject to the above, StellarDock's total liability for any claim is capped at the total fees paid by the member in the 12 months preceding the claim.
  • Subject to the above, StellarDock excludes liability for indirect, consequential, or special damages.
  • Nothing limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or wilful misconduct.

12. Termination

You may cancel your subscription at any time via account settings; cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period. We may suspend or terminate access for breach of these Terms.

13. Governing law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Victoria, Australia. Where mandatory consumer protection laws of your own country apply, those protections continue to apply to you, and nothing in these Terms limits rights you cannot lawfully waive.

14. Changes to these Terms

We will notify members of material changes via email and/or a notice on the Service before the change takes effect. Continued use of the Service after changes take effect constitutes acceptance.

15. Contact us

iTelescope Pty Ltd (ABN 90 151 752 028)
[Registered address — pending confirmation]
Email: info@stellardock.net