A study of the imaging potential of Quasat.
Abstract
The orbit, ground array, and sensitivities of the space and ground systems of the QUASAT spaceborne astronomy mission were studied. Parameters which yield images in which the noise is within a factor of three of the thermal noise limit were derived. With a very large ground array QUASAT should produce images as complex as the best of the VLA. At 22 GHz the resolution will be 0.1 milliarcsec, the field of view 15 milliarcsec, and it will be possible to make noise limited maps of complex objects. The QUASAT is essential for mapping southern declination objects. Without QUASAT, even the simple core-jet source cannot be mapped at declination minus 60 deg. It will be possible with QUASAT to make maps with observing times as short as 6 hr although the very best maps will require 48 hr observations.
- Publication:
-
QUASAT: A VLBI Observatory in Space
- Pub Date:
- September 1984
- Bibcode:
- 1984ESASP.213..101R
- Keywords:
-
- Image Resolution;
- Quasat;
- Radio Sources (Astronomy);
- Spaceborne Astronomy;
- Very Long Base Interferometry;
- Astronomical Maps;
- Satellite Ground Support;
- Satellite Orbits;
- Signal To Noise Ratios;
- Systems Simulation;
- Astronomy;
- Space Missions:VLB Interferometry;
- VLB Interferometry:Imaging;
- VLB Interferometry:Space Missions