Very-long-baseline interferometry techniques applied to problems of geodesy, geophysics, planetary science, astronomy, and general relativity

Abstract

Very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI) techniques have already been used to determine the vector separations between antennas thousands of kilometers apart to within 2 m and the directions of extragalactic radio sources to 0.1", and to track an artificial satellite of the earth and the Apollo Lunar Rover on the surface of the moon. The relative locations of the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiment Package (ALSEP) transmitters on the lunar surface are being measured within 1 m, and the moon's libration is being measured to 1" of selenocentric arc. Attempts are under way to measure the solar gravitational deflection of radio waves more accurately than previously possible, by means of VLBI. A wide variety of scientific problems is being attacked by VLBI techniques, which may soon be two orders of magnitude more accurate than at present.