VLBI Space Observatory Programme Observation of the Quasar PKS 2215+020: A New Laboratory for Core-Jet Physics at z = 3.572

We report results of a VLBI Space Observatory Programme (VSOP) observation of a high-redshift quasar, PKS 2215+020 (z = 3.57). The ~1 mas resolution image of the quasar reveals a prominent "core-jet" structure on linear scales from 5 h-1 to 300 h-1 pc (H0 = 100 h km s-1 Mpc-1). The brightness temperatures and sizes of bright features identified in the jet are consistent with emission from relativistic shocks dominated by adiabatic energy losses. The jet is powered by a central black hole with estimated mass of ~4 × 109 M☉. Comparisons with VLA and ROSAT observations indicate the possible presence of an extended radio/X-ray halo surrounding 2215+020.