Determination of GLONASS satellite coordinates with respect to natural radio sources using the VLBI technique: preliminary results

The main objective of this manuscript is to present tests that have been carried out using VLBI (Very Long Baseline Interferometry) in order to evaluate if this technique, primarily a radio astronomical technique, can also be used to determine positions of Earth orbiting satellites. A number of GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) satellites, usually used for navigation and positioning purposes, were simultaneously tracked with two European VLBI radio telescopes in geodetic mode. Software, developed for VLBI tracking of spacecraft, was successfully used for the processing of these GLONASS observations. First results are presented and discussed.