National Institute of Polar Research
Japanese Antarctic station, Syowa (69S, 39E) was established on East Ongul Island, Luzow-Holm Bay, East Antarctica in 1957. Since that time, many geodetic and geophysical measurements and observations have been carried out in and around Syowa Station, and more than ten geodetic control points were established. The following observations have made currently : the absolute gravity measurements, gravity observations with a superconductiong gravimeter and LaCoste-Romberg gravity meters, oceanic tide, geomagnetic and seismological observations etc. During the last decade, some geodetic observations using space technology have been started at Syowa Station to study global geodynamics such as earth rotation variation and plate tectonic movements. The observations have the role of one station of the international global geodynamic network. The first VLBI measurements were made using the 11m antenna in January 1990. The VLBI measurements are continued four times in a year since 1998. The GPS observation at Syowa Station have participated the international GPS campaign since 1992, and the observations are continued. The GPS antenna site at Syowa Station was tied with the VLBI antenna reference point. DORIS (Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning Integrated by Satellite) beacon was installed at Syowa Station in January 1993. PRARE (Precise Range And Range-rate Equipment) was installed in January 1997. The tracking of DORIS and PRARE have been continued.