How and Why to do VLBI on GPS

TL;DR

This paper proposes a method to use Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) on GPS signals to accurately determine Earth's center of mass position in the ICRF, enhancing geophysical and astrometric measurements.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach combining VLBI and GPS observations with IVS network data to improve Earth's center of mass determination in the ICRF.

Findings

Potential for precise satellite orbital parameters in the ICRF

Enhanced accuracy in Earth's center of mass position

Integration of GPS and VLBI techniques for geodesy

Abstract

In order to establish the position of the center of mass of the Earth in the International Celestial Reference Frame, observations of the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) constellation using the IVS network are important. With a good frame-tie between the coordinates of the IVS telescopes and nearby GPS receivers, plus a common local oscillator reference signal, it should be possible to observe and record simultaneously signals from the astrometric calibration sources and the GPS satellites. The standard IVS solution would give the atmospheric delay and clock offsets to use in analysis of the GPS data. Correlation of the GPS signals would then give accurate orbital parameters of the satellites {\bf in the ICRF reference frame}, i.e. relative to the positions of the astrometric sources. This is particularly needed to determine motion of the center of mass of the earth along the rotation axis.