The AUSTRAL VLBI observing program

Area of Science:

• Geodesy and Astrometry
• Radio Astronomy
• Earth Science

Background:

• The AUSTRAL observing program initiated in 2011 utilizes new Australian AuScope VLBI antennas.
• It incorporates international antennas from New Zealand and South Africa to form a southern hemisphere array.
• These antennas are designed for next-generation VLBI, enabling higher data rates and more frequent observations than standard International VLBI Service (IVS) sessions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the continuous development of AUSTRAL sessions.
• To highlight improvements in baseline length repeatabilities.
• To assess the contribution of AUSTRAL sessions to geodetic and astrometric products.

Main Methods:

• Implementing advanced scheduling strategies and increasing the number of observations.
• Focusing on automated operation and efficient data logistics.
• Performing 151 AUSTRAL sessions and comparing results with IVS sessions.

Main Results:

• Achieved a factor of two improvement in baseline length repeatabilities since the program's inception.
• Demonstrated the significant contribution of AUSTRAL sessions to VLBI end-products.
• Showcased the suitability of AUSTRAL data for determining baselines, station coordinates, source coordinates, and Earth orientation parameters.

Conclusions:

• The AUSTRAL program has successfully enhanced the precision of geodetic and astrometric measurements.
• Optimized observing strategies and increased data volume are key to these improvements.
• AUSTRAL sessions are a vital component for establishing accurate terrestrial and celestial reference frames and Earth orientation parameters.