First geodetic results from the AuScope VLBI network

The new Australian geodetic VLBI network operated by the University of Tasmania (UTAS) started regular observations in June, 2011. Three 12-m “Patriot” radio telescopes (Hobart in Tasmania, Yarragadee in Western Australia and Katherine in the Northern Territory) are dedicated to the improvement of the celestial and terrestrial reference frames in the southern hemisphere. We present first results from the analysis of a 16-month set of geodetic VLBI data. The data were processed within a VLBI solution for 78 sessions in 2011–2012 by the least squares collocation method using the OCCAM software. The geodetic positions of the AuScope radio telescopes were estimated with accuracy less than 10 mm, and the first sign of their motion due to tectonic plate movement was indicated. Results of independent verification using GPS and geodetic local tie for Hobart12 showed consistency within 20 mm for all three components. Positions of Hobart12 in the ITRF2005 system are presented for the 2012.0 epoch.