RadioAstron as a target and as an instrument: Enhancing the Space VLBI mission’s scientific output

Context. The accuracy of orbit determination has a strong impact on the scientific output of the Space VLBI mission RadioAstron. Aims. The aim of this work is to improve the RadioAstron orbit reconstruction by means of sophisticated dynamical modelling of its motion in combination with multi-station Doppler tracking of the RadioAstron spacecraft. Methods. The improved orbital solution is demonstrated using Doppler measurements of the RadioAstron downlink signal and by correlating VLBI observations made by RadioAstron with ground-based telescopes using the enhanced orbit determination data. Results. Orbit determination accuracy has been significantly improved from ~600 m in 3D position and ~2 cm/s in 3D velocity to several tens of metres and mm/s, respectively.Department of Astrodynamics and Space MissionsAerospace Engineerin