Abstract
Space VLBI's highly dynamic geometry, ability to access the space radio telescope (SRT) only via distant communication links, very expensive mission cost, and scientific goals define the basic strategy and scenario for mission control and radio source observations. These are very different from those for ground-based VLBI. Space VLBI strategy must be based on the limitation of SRT repointings, periodic orbit determination before astronomical observations, preliminary preparation and checking of space and ground facilities, and recommended observing sequences and modes. A control and observation scenario is considered for an in-orbit-checkout period, and also for short (1-orbit – 1 week) and long (1 week and more) observation sessions. Examples and illustrations are given for the Radioastron space VLBI Project.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Andreyanov, V. V.: 1996, ‘Radioastron SRT I-O-C Program’ Report for Radioastron ASC-JPL working group.
Andreyanov, V. V., Borisov A. A. and Knorin I. A.: 1997, ‘Radioastron data format and observation modes’ Preprint 55, Lebedev Physical Institute.
Hirabayashi, H., Hirosawa, H., Kobayashi, H., Murata, Y., Edwards, P. G., Fomalont, E. B., Fujisawa, K., Ichikawa, T., Kii, T., Lovell, J. E. J., Moellenbrock, G. A., Okayasu, R., Inoue, M., Kawaguchi, N., Kameno, S., Shibata, K. M., Asaki, Y., Bushimata, T., Enome, S., Horiuchi, S., Miyaji, T., Umemoto, T., Migenes, V., Wajima, K., Nakajima, J., Morimoto, M., Ellis, J., Meier, D. L., Murphy, D. W., Preston, R. A., Smith J. G., Tingay, S. J., Traub, D. L., Wietfeldt, R. D., Benson, J. M., Claussen, M. J., Flatters, C., Romney, J. D., Ulvestad, J. S., D'Addario, L. R., Langston, G. I., Minter, A. H., Carlson, B. R., Dewdney, P. E., Jauncey, D. L., Reynolds, J. E., Taylor, A. R., McCulloch, P. M., Cannon, W. H., Gurvits, L. I., Mioduszewski, A. J., Schilizzi, R. T. and Booth, R. S.: 1998, ‘Overview and initial results of the very long baseline interferometry space observatory programme’ Science 281, 1825.
Kardashev, N. S.: 1997, ‘Radioastron — A radio telescope much greater than the Earth’ Experimental Astronomy 7, 329–343.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Andreyanov, V.V. Strategy and Scenario for Radioastron Space VLBI Observations. Experimental Astronomy 9, 103–117 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008158500231
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008158500231