Yusuke Kono (National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ))

Yusuke Kono Colloquium: Balloon-Borne Very Long Baseline Interferometry Experiment in the Stratosphere

Marsfield Lecture Theatre

Abstract

The stratosphere is one of the most suitable fields for high frequency VLBI observation. A balloon-borne VLBI experiment project is proceeding in Japan. We have developed the first balloon-borne VLBI telescope (BVLBI). One of the purposes of the mission is technical verification of the interferometry technique at lower frequency by using a balloon-borne telescope in the environment. The gondola is ready for launch. The several tests with the flight model on the ground are shown.