First geodetic observations using new VLBI stations ASKAP-29 and WARK12M

TL;DR

This paper presents the first geodetic VLBI observations using the new ASKAP-29 and WARK12M stations, demonstrating their capability to determine station positions with millimeter to meter accuracy.

Contribution

It reports the first geodetic VLBI session involving ASKAP-29 and WARK12M, establishing their positional accuracy and potential for geodetic applications.

Findings

Position errors of 150-200 mm vertically and 40-50 mm horizontally.

Systematic ionospheric errors may reach 1.3 m vertically.

Successful integration of new stations into geodetic VLBI network.

Abstract

We report the results of a successful 7 hour 1.4 GHz VLBI experiment using two new stations, ASKAP-29 located in Western Australia and WARK12M located on the North Island of New Zealand. This was the first geodetic VLBI observing session with the participation of these new stations. We have determined the positions of ASKAP-29 and WARK12M. Random errors on position estimates are 150-200 mm for the vertical component and 40-50 mm for the horizontal component. Systematic errors caused by the unmodeled ionosphere path delay may reach 1.3 m for the vertical component.