12th General Meeting of the International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry (IVS)
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Event date:
28-Mar-2022 - 1-Apr-2022
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Event place:
Cyberspace, Unknown
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Number of Pages:
1
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Keywords:
VGOS
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Abstract:
Australian mixed-mode sessions have been regularly observed since 2020. A legacy S/X-only mode is used in these observations, with the Hobart12 and Katherine telescopes contributing with their VGOS receiver and backend. Sessions are observed twice per month with a southern network of up to six telescopes, strongly continuing the previous AUSTRAL program. In this contribution we detail the aims and plans of this observing program and discuss the latest results. The mixed-mode technique allows a continuation of station time series for Hobart and Katherine, which would otherwise be interrupted until regular VGOS sessions begin. It further allows comprehensive testing and debugging of the receivers and recording systems as well as increasing our operational preparedness for VGOS in terms of the high data load for transport, storage and correlation. Until VGOS will be operating continuously, these AUA/AUM sessions will serve as link between the legacy and the VGOS network with the aim to increase the current regional network to a more global one in the near future.
