The site features a 20-meter VLBI (Very Long
Baseline Interferometry) antenna which contributes to the International VLBI
Service (IVS)
as a network station. Mechanically, the antenna is an azimuth/elevation, and is
almost identical to the antennas at Green Bank and Kokee.
The VLBI technique is one of several observations carried out at the
Space-Geodetic Observatory at Ny-Ålesund. The observatory has developed into a
fundamental geodetic station with co-location of space-geodetic techniques and
geophysical instruments. It has two GPS antennas in the IGS system, and both a
LaCoste-Romberg gravimeter and a Super Conducting Gravimeter are installed on
the site.
The site also includes a CHAMP GPS, GLONASS, and a PRARE installation. The different measurements are tied together by means of an accurate control network. This network is extended to the local surroundings (30-50 km) to keep track of eventual local deformation.
For more information about current programs and possible new projects, please contact Svein Rekkedal (svein.rekkedal@statkart.no, tel. +47 7551 6134), Line Langkaas (line.langkaas@statkart.no; tel. +47 3211 8434) or Helge Digre (dighel@statkart.no, tel. +47 7902 7010).