Bridging astronomical, astrometric and geodetic scheduling for VGOS

Abstract Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) experiments are organized within the geodetic, astrometric and astronomical communities for different applications, requiring observation strategies adopted in scheduling. Currently, next-generation geodetic VLBI Global Observing System (VGOS) is being established. Over last years, evidence was presented that delays introduced by angular structure of radio sources contribute significantly to VGOS observable error budget. Consequently, correcting these through imaging will play an important part future, a scheduling approach. Within this work, new source-centric approach improved capabilities observations. The algorithm tested seven- nine-station network compared with classical schedules. Monte Carlo simulations utilized determine expected parameter precision, two independent processing pipelines used assess potential source imaging. Based on simulation results, it revealed twice as many can be properly imaged. Furthermore, precision Earth orientation estimates average $${15}{\%}$$ 15 % , while position coordinate $${50}{\%}$$ 50 . Tests networks twelve 29 antennas further reveal also applicable future networks.