Determination of UT1 and Polar Motion by the Deep Space Network using very Long Baseline Interferometry

Abstract

The Deep Space Network (DSN) [operated by JPL under contract to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration] is implementing a Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) capability at DSS 63 (Spain), DSS 14 (California, USA), and DSS 43 (Australia) to support the navigation requirements of planetary space missions. The early development work for this system has already demonstrated the capability of measuring UT1 with a formal accuracy as low as 0.6 msec with only 6 hours of data. Further, a radio astrometric catalog of approximately 45 sources whose positions are known to better than 0 . ″ 05 has been constructed. In addition to these measurements, this paper describes the characteristics and anticipated performance of the complete VLBI system being implemented within the DSN for operational use in mid-1979. In particular, one of the capabilities of this system will be the measurement of UT1 and polar motion at weekly intervals. Although the navigation accuracy requirement is only 50 cm for the Voyager mission, this system should be capable of delivering UT1 and polar motion determinations with decimeter accuracy if it is operated at maximum performance. An additional requirement of this operational system is that it have the capability of providing these results within 24 hours of the actual observations.