Astro-G/VSOP-2 in Europe JIVE, Dwingeloo, The Netherlands status report L.I. Gurvits JIVE, Dwingeloo, The Netherlands VSOP-2 Meeting Madrid, 2007.02.19-20

LIG VSOP-2 Meeting, Madrid Space VLBI in Europe Two Europe-wide bodies, EVN and RadioNet, keep Astro-G/VSOP-2 on their agenda EVN CBD endorsed preparatory activities for a European segment of Astro-G (mtg in Dwingeloo, 29 Nov 2006) RadioNet has facilitated mechanism for continuation of its activities under the EC FP7 programme, 2008-2012; VSOP-2 is one of JRA projects under consideration ESA funding options pursued; the main route – via national-led (unsolicited) proposal 19–20 February 2007 LIG VSOP-2 Meeting, Madrid

LIG VSOP-2 Meeting, Madrid ESA Flexi proposal, 2000 ESA “Enhanced Next Generation Radio Observatory in Space” (EVN F2/F3 proposal, 2000) ESA Space Science Advisory Committee (SSAC) citatation: The SSAC recognises the high level of European interest in Space VLBI, which provides uniquely high spatial resolution. There is currently no approved international space VLBI mission to follow on from the Japanese VSOP (HALCA) mission. If one should be identified in the future, the SSAC recommends that an ESA involvement be considered. 19–20 February 2007 LIG VSOP-2 Meeting, Madrid

LIG VSOP-2 Meeting, Madrid ESA Cosmic Vision 2015-2025 Cosmic Vision adopted by ESA as a roadmap for 2015-2025; Specifies themes, not missions; First call for Cosmic Vision mission expected to be released this week; Two types of missions: Medium (€ 350M) and Large (€ 700M) Strong planetary science proposals anticipated; Sounds irrelevant for Astro-G, but: several (planetary sci) proposals in preparation call for close cooperation with JAXA 19–20 February 2007 LIG VSOP-2 Meeting, Madrid

Space VLBI and ESA (personal view) Cosmic Vision programme will be oversubscribed by a factor of …>3 National-led (unsolicited) proposal at the scale of ~€20-30M is encouraged Existing network of tracking station is growing (New Norcia [W Australia], Cebreros [Spain]); discussions on VLBI equipment at ESA’s 35 m under way Considerations for a third new ESA station at the American range of longitudes All new stations to be operational at 32 GHz; 26 and 37 GHz are not “prime missions’ 19–20 February 2007 LIG VSOP-2 Meeting, Madrid

VSOP-2 and EC FP7 RadioNet Relevant call for proposals expected late 2007 Proposal preparation has begun; internal peer-review in mid 2007; Joint Research Activity on SVLBI is on the list of topics to be pursued (LIG, TK, ER, APL to coordinate); Networking Activity on SVLBI is in preparation too (LIG to coordinate); If approved, funding for 2008-2012 19–20 February 2007 LIG VSOP-2 Meeting, Madrid

“ESA via National Agencies” route Unsolicited proposal(s) – favoured by ESA Funding at ~ € 20-30M scale Coherent support by key national delegations is crucial Contacts underway: Spain Germany Netherlands Contacts in preparation: Finland, UK Critical items: Updated Sci Case + exec summary JAXA’s “shopping list” – what’s needed? 19–20 February 2007 LIG VSOP-2 Meeting, Madrid

Astro-G over South Africa? Preliminary expression of interest to investigate VSOP-2 tracking options from SA Contact: HartRAO (R.Booth) Cpuld be seen (at least at this point) as a part of the “European package” Existing 13.2-m antenna, 20-40 GHz operational range, belongs to CSIR Further info expected within ~4 weeks 19–20 February 2007 LIG VSOP-2 Meeting, Madrid

SVLBI payload components? Oscilloquartz crystal oscillator ? Better than 10-13 over 30 s, 135 x 83 x 75 mm, 900 g, 3 W, Space qualification possible. 3D linear accelerometer: Better than 0.5 nm/s2 (τ ~minutes). Verified in several planetary missions. Rx-components (Planck-based) Galileo Rx? NO ACTIONS YET 19–20 February 2007 LIG VSOP-2 Meeting, Madrid

Open issues (in place of conclusions) What (from Europe) is needed to the mission? EVN co-observing Tracking Components of science payload? Correlation load? Science operations? ESA involvement is most likely via nationally-led project(s) Exploit benefits of VSOP-2 synergy with EVN-2015 programme (incl Next Generation Correlator); EXPReS (e-VLBI) developments; SKADS and SKA in FP7 ESA Cosmic Vision (planetary science) projects VSOP-2 in EC FP7 National funding sources – to be investigated 19–20 February 2007 LIG VSOP-2 Meeting, Madrid

Open issues (continued) Science case to be “sharpened”? Phase-referencing to be emphasized! Any chance to go for a higher data rate – 2, 4, 16 Gbit/s? Any implications of a new (more powerful) launcher? Exploiting synergy with SKA developments “Resolution-matching” (mm-VLBI) efforts 19–20 February 2007 LIG VSOP-2 Meeting, Madrid