Backyard telescope for $600,000

If you’ve ever dreamed of having a $600,000 backyard telescope, the CDK1000 from PlaneWave Instruments is about as high-end as it gets. When you stand before something like the PlaneWave CDK1000, it’s not just about looking through a telescope, it’s about looking into the very fabric of the universe. At first glance, sure, the price tag could rival a luxury home. But for those who understand what this instrument really is, it’s not an extravagance, it’s a bargain.

Precision-engineered and meticulously crafted, PlaneWave’s production process doesn’t just create telescopes; it churns out gateways to the cosmos. They’ve streamlined manufacturing to the point where these behemoths, these 1-meter marvels, can be delivered and deployed in shockingly little time. And when you stand behind one, dialing in on a distant galaxy or peering into the swirling chaos of a nebula, you realize… this isn’t just a telescope. It’s an invitation. An invitation to see deeper, to push further. To capture photons that have traveled for millions, even billions of years, just to arrive at your sensor. And if you happen to be an amateur astronomer with the means, well… let’s just say, this is as grand as it gets. The CDK1000 is proof that some dreams aren’t just attainable, they can be engineered.

The PlaneWave CDK1000 Telescope System: A backyard telescope for $600,000

The CDK1000 is a fully integrated observatory system that boasts a 1-meter aperture, a focal length of 6000 mm, and an f/6 ratio. This system is built to offer superior optical performance, precise tracking, and unparalleled stability, making it one of the most advanced telescopes available in its class.

• The telescope features a 1-meter aperture and an impressive 6000 mm focal length at an f/6 ratio, ideal for deep-space imaging with exceptional clarity.
• The Corrected Dall-Kirkham (CDK) optical system ensures a coma-free, astigmatism-free, and flat-field imaging experience across a 100 mm image circle. This design offers crisp and high-contrast images without optical aberrations.
• The CDK1000 utilizes fused silica mirrors with high-performance coatings, optimizing light transmission and minimizing stray light to enhance image contrast.
• The optical tube is engineered with lightweight yet high-strength materials, ensuring thermal stability and durability in various environmental conditions.
• These focus ports can support heavy instruments of up to 300 lbs per port, with an adjustable tertiary mirror allowing for quick instrument switching.
• The system incorporates frictionless direct-drive motors for smooth, fast, and silent movements, eliminating backlash and periodic errors in tracking celestial objects.
• The absolute encoders provide an unmatched resolution of 0.005 arcseconds, ensuring extreme precision in positioning and movement.
• The alt-azimuth mount offers greater stability and ease of use than traditional equatorial mounts, making it more compact and cost-efficient.
• With slew speeds up to 50 degrees per second, the CDK1000 can rapidly lock onto celestial objects and satellites, making it ideal for dynamic observational needs.
   

The CDK1000 excels in several key areas, making it a versatile tool for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Astrophotographers will appreciate the CDK1000’s precision tracking and image stability, which allow for capturing high-resolution celestial images. Its large aperture ensures maximum light collection, enabling detailed imaging of distant galaxies, nebulae, and other deep-space phenomena.

For scientists, the CDK1000 serves as a powerful instrument for:

• Spectroscopy and photometry
• Exoplanet discovery and analysis
• Supernova monitoring
• Lunar and planetary studies
   

Despite its specialization in research and astrophotography, the CDK1000 also offers breathtaking visual observations. Its large aperture delivers stunning views of planetary details, deep-space objects, and nebulae.

The CDK1000 can track satellites and space debris thanks to its precision direct-drive motors and high-resolution encoders. However, for dedicated SSA/SDA applications, the T-600 Direct-Drive Gimbal is recommended.

Software and control

• PlaneWave Interface 4 (PWI4) Software
• PointXP Mount Modeling
• All Sky PlateSolve by Dave Rowe
• Automatic focusing and dome control
• ASCOM and HTTP control interfaces
• Compatible with Linux and Windows
   

What's included with the PlaneWave CDK1000 Telescope System

• Heating elements for dew prevention (Delta-T controller required)
• OTA Cover (to protect the primary mirror and tube interior)
• Flash Drive (software and collimation instructions)
• CDK1000 Focuser (11.3” back focus and 45lb payload capacity)
• CDK1000 Rotator (provides rotation and field de-rotation)
   

The CDK1000 Telescope System is an exceptional investment for professional astronomers, research institutions, and astrophotography enthusiasts who demand the best in performance, precision, and reliability. With a 1-meter aperture, cutting-edge direct-drive mount, and advanced optical design, this observatory-class telescope is one of the most powerful tools available for deep-space exploration and scientific research. Whether used for astrophotography, research, or space observation, the CDK1000 delivers unparalleled results in every application.

$600,000 for a Telescope: Bang For The Buck or Astronomically Overpriced? | WIRED

​​​​​PlaneWave CDK1000 Telescope System specifications

• Aperture: 1000 mm (39.37")
• Focal Length: 6000 mm
• Focal Ratio: f/6
• Central Obstruction: 47% of Primary Mirror Diameter
• Back Focus: 370 mm (14.5")
• Weight: 3500 lbs (1587 kg)
• Optimal Field of View: 100 mm (1.0 degrees)
• Fork Assembly: Space Frame Steel Truss
• Fork Base: Welded stainless steel torsion box
• Azimuth Bearing: Dual 11.125-in tapered roller bearings
• Altitude Bearing: Three 9.5-in ball bearings
• Motor (Azimuth & Altitude): Direct Drive 3-Phase Torque Motor
• Encoder Resolution: 0.005 arcseconds (268 million counts/rev)
• Motor Torque: >200 ft-lbs peak torque
   

PlaneWave Instruments: T-600 Direct-Drive Gimbal

Buy the PlaneWave CDK1000 Telescope System