GEOSIGN
Instituto Geográfico Nacional
GeosIGN
is the group of Space Geodesy of the National Geographic Institute of
Spain (IGN), and it is composed of researchers in the field of
radiofrequency, astronomy, geodesy and geophysics. This staff is
spread in three main locations: Astronomical Observatory of Madrid,
CACGYA building in Alcalá de Henares University campus and Yebes
Observatory (Guadalajara).
GeosIGN
operates two large radiotelescopes equiped with ultra-low noise
state-of-the-arte cryogenic receivers for single-dish and VLBI
observations. As a result, IGN is a member of IVS (International
VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry)
and EVN (European
VLBI Network).
In addition, GeosIGN operates the reference GNSS station of the
Spanish GPS network and the most sensitive gravimeter of the country.
These instruments are located in Yebes Observatory.
GeosIGN
contributes in the definition and maintenance of the ICRF
(International
Cellestial Reference Frame),
the ITRF (International
Terrestrial Reference Frame)
and the monitorization of Universal Time (UT1), the length of day
(LOD) and position and orientation of Earth rotation axis. All these
parameters are fundamental for satellite operators and space agencies
in their tracking activities.
Currently,
GeosIGN is working to transform Yebes Observatory into a Geodetic
Fundamental Station of the GGOS (Global
Geodetic Observatory System)
network, with the addition of a Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR)
station, whose construction has been funded through FEDER funds. This
station will contribute to the accurate determination of Earth
geodetic parameters through the measurement of the distance to
satellites equipped with laser retro-reflectors in coordination with
other stations around the world, in the framework of the
International
Laser Ranging Service
(ILRS).
