An Atlantic Network of Geodynamical Fundamental Stations (Project RAEGE)

J. Gómez-González1 and F. Colomer1

1National Geographical Institute, Spain

Abstract

Project RAEGE (“Red Atlántica de Estaciones Geodinámicas y Espaciales”) intends to set up a Spanish-Portuguese network of four Geodetic Fundamental Stations in Yebes (1), Canary Islands (1), and Açores Islands (2), as part of the developments needed for the IVS VLBI2010 scenario.

It is envisaged that each Geodetic Fundamental Station will be equipped with one radiotelescope of VLBI2010 specifications (at least 12-m diameter, able to operate up to 40 GHz, fast slewing speed), one superconducting gravimeter, one permanent GPS station and, at least at the Yebes site, one SLR facility.

The National Geographical Institute of Spain (IGN) has experience in VLBI, being member of the European VLBI Network since 1993, and participating in geodetic VLBI campaigns with the 14-m radiotelescope in Yebes since 1995. A new 40-m radiotelescope has been built and recently put in operation, already participating in IVS campaigns. Infrastructure for the new stations in Yebes and Canary Islands is available. An agreement between IGN and the Portuguese Geographical Institute (IGP) and the Regional Government at Açores ensure that the RAEGE project can become a reality by 2012.