VLBI2010: Next generation VLBI system for geodesy and astrometry

The International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry (IVS) is well on the way to fully defining a next generation VLBI system, called VLBI2010. The goals of the new system are to achieve 1-mm position accuracy over a 24-h observing session and to carry out continuous observations, with initial results to be delivered within 24 h after taking the data. These goals require a completely new technical and conceptual design of VLBI measurements. Based on extensive simulation studies, strategies have been developed by the IVS to significantly improve its product accuracy through the use of a network of small (~12-m) fast-slewing antennas, a new method for generating high precision delay measurements, and improved methods for handling biases related to system electronics, deformations of the antenna structures, and radio source structure. To test many of the proposed strategies, NASA is sponsoring a proof-of-concept development effort using IVS antennas near Washington, DC, and Boston, MA. Furthermore, as of Feb. 2009, the construction of ten new VLBI2010 sites has already been funded, which will improve the geographical distribution of geodetic VLBI sites and provide an important step towards a global VLBI2010 network.