Large 1.75m telescope for the laser-based detection of space debris objects
ASA AZ1750 at DLR - German Aerospace Center
Laser-based detection of space debris objects in Empfingen.
The Institute of Technical Physics operates a large observatory with an ASA AZ1750 for laser-based detection of space debris objects. The commissioning of the observatory, which is located in a 15-meter-high circular building with a dome, took place in the fall of 2021. The large optical 1.75m telescope is unique of its kind in Europe and forms the basis for pioneering research into the study of orbital objects, particularly in low Earth orbit.
Laser-based detection of space debris objects in Empfingen.
ASA AZ1750 at DLR - German Aerospace Center
ASA Impressions
Pictures: © DLR (CC-BY-NY-ND 3.0)
Products in use
ASA AZ1750 f6
An evolution milestone of high-end telescope systems (1.75m aperture)
- Optical design: Ritchey-Chrétien RC
- Linear central obstruction: 42%
- Focus position: Nasmyth 2 as standard, 4 as option
- Focal ratio system: f6
- Clear Aperture / Focal Ratio Primary Mirror: 1750mm / f2
- Image field: 150mm (0.82 degrees)
- Mirror material: Zerodur
- Surface quality: >94 strehl
- Microroughness: 1nm RMS / <0.7nm Ra
- Coating: Al+SiO2 >91%
- Back Focus from flange: 360mm
- Weight tube: 6500kg (14330lbs)
- Software: ASA API (application programming interface) available autumn 2024 ASA Software(Autoslew, Sequence-windows based, ACC) with ASCOM-Alpaca
- Pointing Accuracy (20° to 85°): <8” RMS with pointing model
- Tracking Accuracy (20° to 85° – unguided, with current pointingfile): <0,25” RMS within 5 minutes
- System Natural Frequency: 10 Hz or greater