The Atlantic Network of Geodynamic and Space Stations (RAEGE)

Abstract

AbstractThis paper shows the current status of the Red Atlántica de Estaciones Geodinámicas y Espaciales (RAEGE), a joint Spanish-Portuguese infrastructure of geodetic stations. When complete, it will be composed of four VGOS (VLBI Global Observing System) radio-telescopes, two in Spain (Yebes and Gran Canaria) and two in Portugal (Santa María and Flores islands, Açores archipelago). The Yebes VGOS radio-telescope is fully operational and integrated in the VGOS core network since 2016. The Santa María VGOS radio-telescope has undergone major maintenance operations and has resume regular IVS observations with its tri-band S/X/Ka receiver since end of May 2021, until it becomes a VGOS station by the second half of 2022. Additionally, each station will include GNSS receivers, gravimeters and a local-tie network. In particular, the RAEGE-Yebes station will have a Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) system, which is under construction. It can be said that RAEGE is the Spanish-Portuguese response to UN resolution 69/266 and GGOS (Global Geodetic Observing System). The current status of all the four RAEGE stations will be shown.