The project aims to support the European Space Agency’s (ESA) analysis capabilities of processing Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) solutions. It will integrate the existing and future VGOS and S/X infrastructure consistently while developing new concepts and algorithms for data processing that integrate satellite VLBI, such as next-generation Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and GENESIS.

The most innovative aspect of this project is the development of strategies for VLBI observations of satellites, which have not yet been integrated into the main VLBI framework. Currently, the investigations are primarily focused on simulations. By observing satellites, we aim to independently determine their orbits (POD), the geocenter, and low-degree gravity field coefficients and explore how this data can be combined with other space geodetic techniques, such as GNSS. The investigations pertaining to the project are carried out in PORT and EPOS-OC softwares.

Project Duration:
2024-2026

Funding:
European Space Agency (ESA)

Project-related Publications:

• Delva, P., Altamimi, Z., Blazquez, A., et al. (2023). GENESIS: co-location of geodetic techniques in space. Earth, Planets and Space, 75(1), 5. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40623-022-01752-w
• Neumayer KH, Schreiner P, König R, Dahle C, Glaser S, Mammadaliyev N, Flechtner F (2024) EPOS-OC, a universal software tool for satellite geodesy at GFZ. In: Freymueller J, Sánchez L (eds) Proceedings of the IAG Symposia at IUGG Berlin. Springer. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/1345_2024_260
• Raut, S., Glaser, S., Mammadaliyev, et al. (2023). Assessing the Potential of VLBI Transmitters on Next Generation GNSS Satellites for Geodetic Products. In: International Association of Geodesy Symposia, Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/1345_2023_217
• Raut, S., Glaser, S., Schreiner, P., et al. (2024): Long-term geodetic product assessment derived from a VLBI transmitter on Next-Generation GNSS, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-15350. https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-Egu24-15350
• Schuh, H., Heinkelmann, R., Beyerle, G., Anderson, J. M., Balidakis, K., Belda, S., ... & Xu, M. H. (2021). The Potsdam open source radio interferometry tool (PORT). Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, 133(1028), 104503.