ALSEP-quasar differential VLBI

Abstract

A program of ALSEP-quasar very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI) is being carried out. These observations employ primarily a 'four-antenna' technique whereby simultaneous observations with two antennas at each end of an intercontinental baseline are used to derive the differential interferometric phase between a compact extragalactic radio source (usually a quasar) and a number of ALSEP transmitters on the lunar surface. A continuous ALSEP-quasar differential phase history over a period of a few hours will lead to milliarcsecond angular accuracy in measuring the lunar position against the quasar reference frame if suitable calibration measurements are obtained. Development of this application of the four-antenna technique has been underway for more than a year and is producing high-quality data utilizing Deep Space Network stations. These high-accuracy observations are of value to tie the lunar ephemeris to a nearly inertial extragalactic reference frame, to test gravitational theories, and to measure the earth-moon tidal friction interaction.