11:30 AM - 11:45 AM
[G01-2-05] Space tie satellites for millimetre geodesy – a VLBI perspective
Space tie satellites are of major interest in the geodetic community, bearing the potential of a major step forward in realising the terrestrial reference frame (TRF). Combining all four space geodetic techniques on a single satellite platform, this novel concept will improve the accuracy and stability of the TRF, in particular concerning the Geocentre, the scale and the connection to the inertial celestial frame. With sophisticated satellite missions being proposed and prototype missions already in space, thorough research is clearly trailing behind and highly necessary. This concerns predominantly the very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) part, since VLBI observations of low Earth orbiting satellites are absolutely novel.
In this contribution we report on a series of test observations which were performed using radio telescopes in Australia. Following essential developments in the observing setup and process chain, our main result is a six-hour time series of VLBI satellite observations using a set of GNSS satellites. Further we report on observations of the Chinese APOD satellite, which is equipped with a dedicated VLBI transmitter, using the Australian AuScope VLBI array. Having developed a complete process chain from the observations to initial geodetic results, we report on issues we have encountered and problems that still need to be solved. Hereby the focus is on optimal compatibility of existing VLBI station hardware and future space tie missions.
The first time series of VLBI satellite observations represents a breakthrough in this novel technique, now enabling further developments and bringing the first realisation of VLBI space ties within reach.
In this contribution we report on a series of test observations which were performed using radio telescopes in Australia. Following essential developments in the observing setup and process chain, our main result is a six-hour time series of VLBI satellite observations using a set of GNSS satellites. Further we report on observations of the Chinese APOD satellite, which is equipped with a dedicated VLBI transmitter, using the Australian AuScope VLBI array. Having developed a complete process chain from the observations to initial geodetic results, we report on issues we have encountered and problems that still need to be solved. Hereby the focus is on optimal compatibility of existing VLBI station hardware and future space tie missions.
The first time series of VLBI satellite observations represents a breakthrough in this novel technique, now enabling further developments and bringing the first realisation of VLBI space ties within reach.