GINS: a new tool for VLBI Geodesy and Astrometry

In the framework of the "Groupe de Recherches de G\'eod\'esie Spatiale" (GRGS), a rigorous combination of the data from five space geodetic techniques (VLBI, GPS, SLR, LLR and DORIS) is routinely applied to simultaneously determine a Terrestrial Reference Frame (TRF) and Earth Orientation Parameters (EOP). This analysis is conducted with the software package GINS which has the capability to process data from all five techniques together. Such a combination at the observation level should ultimately facilitate fine geophysical studies of the global Earth system. In this project, Bordeaux Observatory is in charge of the VLBI data analysis, while satellite geodetic data are processed by other groups. In this paper, we present (i) details about the VLBI analysis undertaken with GINS, and (ii) the results obtained for the EOP during the period 2005-2006. We also compare this EOP solution with the IVS (International VLBI Service for geodesy and astrometry) analysis coordinator combined results. The agreement is at the 0.2 mas level, comparable to that of the other IVS analysis centers, which demonstrates the capability of the GINS software for VLBI analysis

VLBI analyses with the GINS software for multi-technique combination at the observation level

A rigorous approach to simultaneously determine a Terrestrial Reference Frame (TRF) and Earth Orientation Parameters (EOP) is now currently applied on a routine basis in a coordinated project within the Groupe de Recherches de G\'eod\'esie Spatiale (GRGS) in France. Observations of the various space geodetic techniques (VLBI, SLR, LLR, DORIS and GPS) are separately processed by different analysis centers with the software package GINS-DYNAMO, developed and maintained at the GRGS/CNES (Toulouse). This project is aimed at facilitating fine geophysical analyses of the global Earth system (GGOS project). In this framework, Bordeaux Observatory is in charge of the VLBI (Very Long Baseline Interferometry) analyses with GINS for combination with the data of the other space geodetic techniques at the observation level. In this paper, we present (i) the analyses undertaken with this new VLBI software, and (ii) the results obtained for the EOP from beginning 2005 until 2007. Finally, we compare this EOP solution with the IVS (International VLBI Service) Analysis Coordinator combined results. The agreement is at the 0.2 mas level, comparable to that of the other IVS Analysis Centers, which demonstrates the VLBI capability of the GINS software