A semiautomated sky survey for slow-moving objects suitable for a Pluto express mission encounter

We have developed a robust computer program that quickly and efficiently searches for moving objects in large-format CCD images. We describe the initial application of this program to a survey for Kuiper belt objects (KBOs) and Centaurs along the path of NASA's planned Pluto Express mission. Tests have been made to quantify our survey sensitivity, indicating an effective sky area of 2.22 deg² searched to a limiting visual plus red "VR" magnitude of 23.1 and an effective area of 0.65 deg² searched to a limiting VR magnitude of 23.5. The first data set consists of fields near the expected postrendezvous flight path of the Pluto Express mission, and analysis resulted in the detection of two KBO candidates. The second data set is from a region at higher Galactic latitude, and it produced a further two KBO candidates.