VLBI Space Observatory Programme (VSOP) satellite

The Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), Japan, is developing a satellite, named MUSES-B, for VLBI (very long baseline interferometry) observations from space. The science observation program using MUSES-B is called the VLBI Space Observatory Programme (VSOP). The satellite is formed as an orbiting radiotelescope with a parabolic antenna of 8 meters diameter. Fine-resolution and high-quality imaging of active galactic nuclei and quasars, and observations of maser sources, are the main science objectives. The satellite will be launched in summer 1996. The satellite operation and science observations will be performed in collaboration with NASA and ground radio observatories around the world