ASA AZ2000 Ritchey-Chrétien Alt-Az telescope f6

ASA AZ2000 – 2.0-Meter Telescope System

The next leap in the evolution of large-aperture observatory systems.

The ASA AZ2000 is a fully integrated, high-end 2.0-meter Ritchey-Chrétien telescope system designed for advanced scientific research and extreme precision. Built on an Alt-Az Nasmyth platform, the system incorporates ASA’s new high-performance concrete fork design, engineered for improved natural frequency and structural stability. A combination of ASA’s hexapod-controlled secondary mirror (M2) and active mirror cell on the primary mirror (M1) allows for continuous optimization of optical alignment—delivering peak imaging performance under even the most demanding observing conditions.

Outfitted with ASA Zerodur optics, the AZ2000 offers diffraction-limited image quality, ultra-low microroughness, and fast focal ratios that reduce overall system size and dome infrastructure costs. Configurable with up to four Nasmyth ports, this large telescope system redefines what’s possible in ground-based astronomy.

Key Specifications

Optical Design: Ritchey-Chrétien (RC)
Clear Aperture: 2000mm (78.7 in)
Clear Aperture / Focal Ratio Primary Mirror: f/2
System Focal Ratio: f/6
Central Obstruction: 41% (linear)
Mirror Material: Zerodur (Fused Silica optional)
Surface Quality: >94 Strehl
Microroughness: 1nm RMS / <0.7nm Ra
Coating: Al + SiO₂, Reflectivity >91%
Back Focus from Flange: 360mm
Total Weight: 16,000 kg (35,274 lbs)
Focus Positions: Nasmyth 2 standard, Nasmyth 4 optional

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
Focus Mechanism: Absolute encoder-controlled M2 hexapod + motorized M1 active mirror cell
Nasmyth Ports: Configurable with up to 4 ports

Software & Integration

The AZ2000 includes the full ASA Software Suite with platform-independent control via ASCOM Alpaca API over TCP/IP. Advanced control and automation capabilities include:

-Creation and optimization of pointing models

-MLPT (Multi-Layer Pointing Technique) support, compatible with N.I.N.A.

-Satellite tracking and orbit correction (TLE/CPF files)

-Focus and alignment control via ASCOM Alpaca

-Control of M2 hexapod and M1 active mirror cell

-Full API access to rotator, Nasmyth ports, and dome covers (if installed)