PlaneWave RC1000 Telescope System

PlaneWave RC1000 – 1-Meter Ritchey-Chrétien Telescope System

A flagship observatory system designed for advanced scientific, defense, and astrophotographic applications.

The PlaneWave RC1000 is a professional-grade Ritchey-Chrétien telescope system, engineered to meet the exacting demands of universities, research institutions, commercial observatories, and defense-related projects. With a massive 1-meter aperture, dual Nasmyth focus ports, and a software-controlled rotating tertiary mirror, the RC1000 delivers the flexibility, precision, and optical performance required for cutting-edge astronomy and optical communication applications.

Key Specifications

Optical Design: Ritchey-Chrétien (RC)
Clear Aperture: 1000mm (39.4 in)
Focal Length: 12240mm
System Focal Ratio: f/12.2
Focus Positions: Dual Nasmyth ports with rotating tertiary mirror
Central Obstruction: Minimal – optimized for contrast and diffraction reduction
Mirror Material: Fused silica (optional Zerodur)
Coating: Al + SiO₂

Performance & Control

Tertiary Mirror: Software-controlled rotating mirror for switching between Nasmyth ports
Mount Drive Type: High-torque direct-drive motors (zero backlash, zero periodic error)
Max Slew Speed: Up to 50°/s
Encoders: 26-bit absolute encoders (on-axis)
Tracking Precision: Optimized for satellite tracking and low-Earth orbit objects
Installation Configurations: Alt/Az with dual Nasmyth instrumentation ports

Application Highlights

Astrophotography:

- High-resolution imaging of faint, distant celestial objects

- Large aperture and extended focal length optimized for deep sky imaging

Astronomy Research:

- Ideal for spectroscopy, photometry, and precision celestial measurements

- Designed for institutional research and long-term data acquisition

Free-Space Optical Communication (FSOC):

- Refractive-optics-free design ideal for long-distance laser data transmission

- Exceptional pointing and tracking accuracy for high-bandwidth satellite links