ASA AZ1500 Ritchey-Chrétien Alt-Az telescope f6

ASA AZ1500 – 1.5-Meter Telescope System

An evolution milestone in high-end observatory systems.

The ASA AZ1500 is a fully integrated 1.5-meter Ritchey-Chrétien telescope system designed for cutting-edge scientific research. With fast focal ratios and a compact Alt-Az Nasmyth configuration, this system reduces dome size requirements while maximizing optical performance. Equipped with ASA’s premium fused silica optics (Zerodur optional), the AZ1500 ensures diffraction-limited imaging and industry-leading microroughness, even under the most pristine Earth-based seeing conditions. Configurable with up to four Nasmyth ports, this observatory solution is built for flexibility, automation, and long-term reliability.

Key Specifications

Optical Design: Ritchey-Chrétien (RC)
Clear Aperture: 1500mm (59.1 in)
Clear Aperture / Focal Ratio Primary Mirror: f/2
System Focal Ratio: f/6
Focal Length: 9000mm
Image Field: 200mm (1.27°)
Central Obstruction: 43% (linear)
Focus Positions: Nasmyth 2 standard, Nasmyth 4 optional
Mirror Material: Fused Silica (Zerodur optional)
Surface Quality: >94 Strehl
Microroughness: 1nm RMS / <0.7nm Ra
Coating: Al + SiO₂, Reflectivity >91%
Back Focus from Flange: 513mm
Total Weight: 5000 kg (11,023 lbs)

Performance & Control

Pointing Accuracy (20°–85°): <8″ RMS (with pointing model)
Tracking Accuracy (unguided, 5 min): <0.25″ RMS (with current pointing file)
System Natural Frequency: ≥10 Hz
Satellite Tracking: Supports TLE and CPF orbit uploads with real-time correction
Focus Mechanism: Absolute encoder-controlled secondary mirror focusing
Nasmyth Ports: Configurable with up to 4 ports

Software & Integration

The AZ1500 comes with the complete ASA Software Suite, offering robust platform-independent control via ASCOM Alpaca API over TCP/IP. Integrated features include:

-Creation and optimization of pointing models

-MLPT (Multi-Layer Pointing Technique) compatibility with N.I.N.A.

-Real-time satellite tracking and orbit correction

-Remote focus control via ASCOM Alpaca

-Full control over rotator and Nasmyth ports

-Dome and cover automation (if equipped)