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NASA NTRS2001

About IVS

International VLBI Service is an international collaboration of organizations which operate or support Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) components. The goals are: (1) To provide a service to support geodetic, geophysical, and astrometric research and operational activities; (2) To promote research and development activities in all aspects of the geodetic and astrometric VLBI technique; and (3) To interact with the community of users of VLBI products and to integrate VLBI into a global Earth observing system.

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NASA NTRS2004

Advancing Solid Earth Science through Improved Atmosphere Modeling

We proposed to investigate and develop better models for the effect of the hydrostatic and water vapor components of the neutral atmosphere on delay for VLBI and GPS by using a Numerical Weather Model to better simulate realistic atmosphere conditions. By using a raytrace calculation through the model atmosphere at the times of actual VLBI observations, the potential improvement in geodetic results can be evaluated. Also, by calculating the actual variation of delays with elevation and azimuth, the errors in current mapping function models can be assessed. The VLBI data to be initially analyzed are the fifteen days of the CONT02 sessions of 2002 October which included eight stations. There are three segments to the research. 1) The PSU/NCAR fifth generation mesoscale numerical weather model (MM5) will be used to provide the state of the atmosphere with highest horizontal resolution of 3 km. 2) A three-dimensional raytrace program will be developed to determine the delays through the model atmosphere at the times and in the directions of the VLBI observations for each of the sites. 3) The VLBI data will be analyzed using both standard models for the atmosphere mapping functions and the mapping functions derived from the NWM raytracing.

Niell, A. E.↗

NASA NTRS2004

IVS Organization

International VLBI Service (IVS) is an international collaboration of organizations which operate or support Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) components. The goals are: To provide a service to support geodetic, geophysical and astrometric research and operational activities. To promote research and development activities in all aspects of the geodetic and astrometric VLBI technique. To interact with the community of users of VLBI products and to integrate VLBI into a global Earth observing system.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS2005

Multi-reference evaluation of uncertainty in earth orientation parameter measurements

Uncertainties in polar motion and length-of-day measurements are evaluated empirically using several data series from the space-geodetic techniques of the global positioning system (GPS), satellite laser ranging (SLR), and very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) during 1997-2002. In the evaluation procedure employed here, known as the three-corner hat (TCH) technique, the signal common to each series is eliminated by forming pair-wise differences between the series, thus requiring no assumed values for the 'truth' signal. From the variances of the differenced series, the uncertainty of each series can be recovered when reasonable assumptions are made about the correlations between the series. In order to form the pair-wise differences, the series data must be given at the same epoch. All measurement data sets studied here were sampled at noon (UTC); except for the VLBI series, whose data are interpolated to noon and whose UT1 values are also numerically differentiated to obtain LOD. The numerical error introduced to the VLBI values by the interpolation and differentiation is shown to be comparable in magnitude to the values determined by the TCH method for the uncertainties of the VLBI series. The TCH estimates for the VLBI series are corrupted by such numerical errors mostly as a result of the relatively large data intervals. Of the remaining data sets studied here, it is found that the IGS Final combined series has the smallest polar motion and length-of-day uncertainties.

Combination↗

NASA NTRS2011

The LBA Calibrator Survey of Southern Compact Extragalactic Radio Sources - LCS1

We present a catalogue of accurate positions and correlated flux densities for 410 flat-spectrum, compact extragalactic radio sources previously detected in the Australia Telescope 20 GHz (AT20G) survey. The catalogue spans the declination range [-90deg, -40deg] and was constructed from four 24-h very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observing sessions with the Australian Long Baseline Array at 8.3 GHz. The VLBI detection rate in these experiments is 97 per cent, the median uncertainty of the source positions is 2.6 mas and the median correlated flux density on projected baselines longer than 1000 km is 0.14 Jy. The goals of this work are (1) to provide a pool of southern sources with positions accurate to a few milliarcsec, which can be used for phase-referencing observations, geodetic VLBI and space navigation; (2) to extend the complete flux-limited sample of compact extragalactic sources to the Southern hemisphere; and (3) to investigate the parsec-scale properties of high-frequency selected sources from the AT20G survey. As a result of this VLBI campaign, the number of compact radio sources south of declination -40deg which have measured VLBI correlated flux densities and positions known to milliarcsec accuracy has increased by a factor of 3.5.

Petrov, Leonid↗

NASA NTRS2019

The Second LBA Calibrator Survey of Southern Compact Extragalactic Radio Sources – LCS2

We present the second catalogue of accurate positions and correlated flux densities for 1100 compact extragalactic radio sources that were not observed before 2008 at high angular resolution. The catalogue spans the declination range [-90◦, -30◦] and was constructed from 19 24-h VLBI observing sessions with the Australian Long Baseline Array at 8.3 GHz. The catalogue presents the final part of the program that was started in 2008. The goals of that campaign were (1) to extend the number of compact radio sources with precise coordinates and measure their correlated flux densities, which can be used for phase referencing very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) and Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) observations, geodetic VLBI, search for sources with significant offsets with respect to Gaia positions, and space navigation; (2) to extend the complete flux-limited sample of compact extragalactic sources to the Southern hemisphere; and (3) to investigate the parsec-scale properties of sources from the high-frequency AT20G survey. The median uncertainty of the source positions is 3.5 mas. As a result of this VLBI campaign, the number of compact radio sources south of declination -40◦ that have measured VLBI-correlated flux densities and positions known to milliarcsecond accuracy has increased by over a factor of 6.

Petrov, Leonid↗

NASA NTRS1972

Application of new radio tracking data types to critical spacecraft navigation problems

Earth-based radio tracking data types are considered, which involve simultaneous or nearly simultaneous spacecraft tracking from widely separated tracking stations. These data types are conventional tracking instrumentation analogs of the very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) of radio astronomy-hence the name quasi-VLBI. A preliminary analysis of quasi-VLBI is presented using simplified tracking data models. The results of accuracy analyses are presented for a representative mission, Viking 1975. The results indicate that, contingent on projected tracking system accuracy, quasi-VLBI can be expected to significantly improve navigation performance over that expected from conventional tracking data types.

Ondrasik, V. J.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Frequency standards requirements of the NASA deep space network to support outer planet missions

Navigation of Mariner spacecraft to Jupiter and beyond will require greater accuracy of positional determination than heretofore obtained if the full experimental capabilities of this type of spacecraft are to be utilized. Advanced navigational techniques which will be available by 1977 include Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI), three-way Doppler tracking (sometimes called quasi-VLBI), and two-way Doppler tracking. It is shown that VLBI and quasi-VLBI methods depend on the same basic concept, and that they impose nearly the same requirements on the stability of frequency standards at the tracking stations. It is also shown how a realistic modelling of spacecraft navigational errors prevents overspecifying the requirements to frequency stability.

Fliegel, H. F.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Geodetic interferometry submission for the IUGG Quadrennial Report

The present paper reviews the activities of two major VLBI (Very Long Baseline Interferometry) groups, within the United States, which have been concentrating on geodetic measurements for a number of years. The activities have resulted in the development of transportable VLBI terminals for regional surveying applications; development of VLBI techniques for obtaining station positions; establishment of relative epochs and rates of the hydrogen maser clocks at the stations; the acquisition of polar motion and earth rotation data in support of deep space tracking functions; and the development of VLBI techniques necessary for tectonic measurements on trans- and intercontinental baselines and for astrometry, polar-motion and earth-rotation observations.

Clark, T. A.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Use of a digital tone extractor for real-time phase analysis

A digital tone extractor which monitors the phase integrity of a VLBI recording system in real time was developed. The digital tone extractor monitors phase calibrator tones injected at the antenna and tracks their phase as a function of time. It is capable of maintaining 0.001 cycle phase accuracy over the course of a VLBI experiment in accordance with the accuracy requirements of centimeter VLBI work. This real time VLBI system monitor is a safeguard against most instrumental breakdowns and operator errors.

Sigman, E.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Mark 3 interactive data analysis system

The interactive data analysis system, a major subset of the total Mark 3 very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) software system is described. The system consists of two major and a number of small programs. These programs provide for the scientific analysis of the observed values of delay and delay rate generated by the VLBI data reduction programs and product the geophysical and astrometric parameters which are among the ultimate products of VLBI. The two major programs are CALC and SOLVE. CALC generates the theoretical values of VLBI delay rate as well as partial derivatives based on apriori values of the geophysical and astronometric parameters. SOLVE is a least squares parameters estimation program which yields the geophysical and astrometric parameters using the observed values by the data processing system and theoretical values and partial derivatives provided by CALC. SOLVE is a highly interactive program in which the user selects the exact form of the recovered parameters and the data to be accepted into the solution.

Ryan, J. W.↗

NASA NTRS1980

An evaluation of Galileo-Viking differenced range in Galileo-Mars flyby navigation

A summary and evaluation of the Galileo-Mars flyby navigation techniques is presented. The navigational requirements of Galileo as it swings by Mars are going to be met with interferometric angular measurements (VLBI) and range and range-rate measurements. Like VLBI, dual spacecraft differenced range is less sensitive to Mars ephemeris errors and tracking station location errors than conventional range and Doppler. Similarly, differenced range provides angular information about the separation between the Mars Viking Lander I and the Galileo spacecraft. In covariance studies, dual spacecraft range coupled with conventional range and Doppler is shown to estimate the Galileo-Mars flyby distance to better than 10 km which is comparable to the VLBI performance. For the Galileo-Mars flyby, dual spacecraft differenced range promise to be an excellent backup to VLBI if the Mars Viking Lander remains operational.

Winn, F. B.↗

NASA NTRS1985

A comparison between Lageos laser ranging and very long baseline interferometry determined baseline lengths

NASA's Crustal Dynamics Project (CDP) has the objective to improve the understanding of geodynamics by measuring crustal deformation, tectonic motion, and polar motion and earth rotation. Three different approaches are utilized for obtaining these measurements. One is based on satellite laser ranging (SLR), while another makes use of very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) which uses reception of radio signals from quasars. The third approach involves laser ranging to the moon. An important part of the CDP is to compare baselines periodically or the straight-line distance between two points on the earth's surface as determined by either SLR or VLBI. Attention is given to the SLR analysis, the VLBI analysis, a local survey, and error sources. A table is presented with the baselines between SLR survey markers as measured by VLBI and SLR.

Kolenkiewicz, R.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Orbit determination study results for the Venus Radar Mapper orbiter

The Venus Radar Mapper (VRM), to be launched by the U.S. in July 1988 is described and Doppler-only and Doppler plus N-Delta-VLBI data analyses are contrasted in order to evaluate the importance of VLBI data to VRM orbit determination (OD). VRM OD study results are summarized by showing the accuracy of various orbital parameters for ten cases selected over a 243-day primary mission. It is concluded that VLBI data were responsible for improving the knowledge of the longitude of the ascending node with respect to the plane of the sky by a factor of 5 to 10 throughout (excluding superior conjunction) this primary mission. It is noted that there is a certain sensitivity to where along the orbit the VLBI data are acquired.

Esposito, P. B.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Communications considerations of the very long baseline interferometry demonstration using the tracking and data relay satellite system

A desire for increased angular resolution at microwave frequencies has led to the development of radio telescopes with very lage effective apertures. Very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) has made it possible to synthesize telescopes with effective dimensions of a large fraction of an earth diameter. By using a satellite-borne radio telescope as part of a VLBI array, the dimensions of the earth cease to be a limitation. A demonstration was performed to show that the orbiting VLBI (OVLBI) concept is feasible. The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) was used as the orbiting element of the VLBI demonstration. Stability tests were made before the observations to determine the suitability of the TDRSS for OVLBI use. The first successful OVLBI observations were performed using the 64-m antenna observatories of NASA's Deep Space Network in Tidbinbilla, Australia, and of the Institute for Space and Astronautical Science in Usuda, Japan in conjunction with the TDRSS.

Levy, G. S.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Mobile very long baseline interferometry and Global Positioning System measurement of vertical crustal motion

Mobile Very Long Base Interferometry (VLBI) and Global Positioning System (GPS) geodetic measurements have many error sources in common. Calibration of the effects of water vapor on signal transmission through the atmosphere, however, remains the primary limitation to the accuracy of vertical crustal motion measurements made by either technique. The two primary methods of water vapor calibration currently in use for mobile VLBI baseline measurements were evaluated: radiometric measurements of the sky brightness near the 22 GHz emission line of free water molecules and surface meteorological measurements used as input to an atmospheric model. Based upon a limited set of 9 baselines, it is shown that calibrating VLBI data with water vapor radiometer measurements provides a significantly better fit to the theoretical decay model than calibrating the same data with surface meteorological measurements. The effect of estimating a systematic error in the surface meteorological calibration is shown to improve the consistency of the vertical baseline components obtained by the two calibration methods. A detailed error model for the vertical baseline components obtained indicates current mobile VLBI technology should allow accuracies of order 3 cm with WVR calibration and 10 cm when surface meteorological calibration is used.

Kroger, Peter M.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Precision of vertical position estimates from very long baseline interferometry

It is found that the precision of VLBI measurements of vertical crustal motions is limited by errors in the modeling of the propagation delay through the earth's neutral atmosphere, and by errors in finding the orientation of a fixed crust coordinate system in the VLBI reference frame. The repeatability of baseline length measurements study indicates a vertical position precision of about 8 cm, averaged over 13 sites and 4.5 years of data, while the repeatability of vertical position estimates for a Richmond, FL site is found to yield a precision of about 7 cm for 42 observations made over an 11-month period. An overall precision of 8 cm for a 24-hour VLBI observing session is obtained, and the effects of earth orientation parameter errors is contingent on the distances between the VLBI sites.

Herring, T. A.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Intercomparison of polar motion measurements during the MERIT period

Polar motion estimates obtained by satellite laser ranging (SLR) and VLBI are analyzed and compared. The JPL Kalman filter was utilized to smooth the polar motion estimates. Variations in the smoothing residuals for the X and Y components of polar motion for SLR and VLBI are examined. It is observed that the rms differences between the SLR and VLBI estimates for X and Y are about 2-3 marcsec. Power spectra of the differences are studied in order to measure possible periodic systematic errors. The data reveal that the SLR and VLBI polar motion data have a rms difference of about 15-20 marcsec and no significant systematic errors.

Steppe, J. A.↗