ASA AZ2500 Ritchey-Chrétien Alt-Az telescope f7

ASA AZ2500 – 2.5-Meter Telescope System

The next evolution in large-aperture observatory systems.

The ASA AZ2500 is a fully integrated 2.5-meter Ritchey-Chrétien telescope system, representing the pinnacle of ASA's engineering for research-grade observatories. Built on an Alt-Az Nasmyth platform and featuring ASA’s most advanced concrete fork mount, the system is designed for maximum stiffness, stability, and precision in tracking and imaging.

Optical alignment is actively optimized in real-time through the combination of a hexapod-mounted secondary mirror (M2) and an active mirror cell on the primary mirror (M1). The AZ2500’s large aperture, fast focal ratio, and compact design reduce dome infrastructure requirements while delivering diffraction-limited performance under the best Earth-based seeing conditions.

Key Specifications

Optical Design: Ritchey-Chrétien (RC)
Clear Aperture: 2500mm (98.4 in)
Clear Aperture / Focal Ratio Primary Mirror: f/2
System Focal Ratio: f/7
Central Obstruction: 37% (linear)
Mirror Material: Zerodur (Fused Silica optional)
Surface Quality: >94 Strehl
Microroughness: 1nm RMS / <0.7nm Ra
Coating: Al + SiO₂
Back Focus from Flange: 519mm
Total Weight: 17,000 kg (37,478 lbs)
Focus Positions: Nasmyth 2 standard, Nasmyth 3 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 3 ports

Software & Integration

The AZ2500 is delivered with the full ASA Software Suite, providing robust, platform-independent control via ASCOM Alpaca API over TCP/IP. The system integrates with popular astronomy software and offers advanced automation features including:

-Creation and optimization of pointing models

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

-Satellite orbit tracking (TLE/CPF support) and real-time correction

-Full remote control of focus, rotator, and Nasmyth ports

-API access to dome covers (if installed)

-Precision control of M2 hexapod and M1 active mirror cell