VSOP-2 project

M. Tsuboi

doi:10.1117/12.786888

12 July 2008 VSOP-2 project

M. Tsuboi

Proceedings Volume 7010, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2008: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter; 701024 (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.786888
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2008, Marseille, France

Abstract

VSOP-2 project is a next generation Space-VLBI project approved in Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) of Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The nominal launch of the VSOP-2 spacecraft, ASTRO-G, is planed in FY2012 by a HIIA rocket as the 7th astronomy satellite in ISAS/JAXA. ASTRO-G satellite will employ a 9.23-m off-axis deployable reflector antenna (LDR) with a surface accuracy of 0.4 mm rms and cryogenically cooled receivers at 22, and 43 GHz and passively cooled receivers at 8 GHz in dual-polarization. A major axis of the orbit is 35,000 km, which will yield an angular resolution of 38 micro-arcseconds achievable at 43 GHz. Then VSOP-2 can observe innermost regions of AGN jets and astronomical masers at 10 times higher angular resolution compared to the previous Space-VLBI, VSOP(-1). These are ideal laboratories to experience physical phenomena in extreme conditions, which cannot be made in any laboratories on the earth. A phase-referencing capability of ASTRO-G satellite makes dramatic improvement of sensitivity and astrometric measurements possible. Basic design for the mechanical and thermal parts of ASTRO-G itself is on going. The radio telescope including the LDR is in EM phase. We would present the overview of VSOP-2 project.

Citation Download Citation

M. Tsuboi "VSOP-2 project", Proc. SPIE 7010, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2008: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter, 701024 (12 July 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.786888

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available