Astro-geodynamics measures the overall integrity of the earth and its large-scale motion variations employing modern high-precision space-earth observation techniques (namely VLBI, SLR, LLR, GPS etc). As a new academic discipline resulting from the cross-breeding of astronomy, geosciences (namely geophysics, geodesy and geology), atmospheric science and oceanic science, astro-geodynamics treats the earth as an integrated system of layered spheres, and studies the dynamical mechanism of the interactions between them.

        The research directions of astro-geodynamics include: (1) Measurement, detection, analysis and prediction of the earth’s rotational variations; research on the triggering or stimulating mechanisms for such rotational variations; measurement of ocean tides and solid earth tides; measurement of astronomical constants. (2) Internal structures of planets; research on the dynamical processes of fluids and magnetic fluids (that is, planet hydrodynamics and planet magneto-hydrodynamics), and their coupling mechanism. (3) Measurement and research on global plate tectonics and regional crustal deformation; measurement of the relative positions and motion of the earth stations with respect to the earth center; measurement of the positions and proper motion of stars and compact radio sources; research on the establishment, extension and maintenance of various astronomical reference frames; research on the problems of relativity in basic astronomy. (4) Research on the theory and application of precise orbit determination for spacecraft; research on the application of GPS-based navigation and positioning, space weather and meteorology. (5) Research on the theory and application of Beidou and other satellite navigation and positioning systems. (6) Research and development of existing and new technologies in satellite laser ranging. (7) Research on laser-ranging techniques for non-cooperative targets; developments intended for promoting technologies to monitor space targets and debris, and for warning systems in aeronautical and astronautical applications. (8) Research on techniques for laser time comparison; realization of satellite-ground time and frequency synchronization; evaluation of the performance of space-borne time and frequency sources. (9) Development of new techniques for satellite borne laser reflectors. (10) Detection and simulation of the earth’s gravitational field; research on building models for its precise gravitational field. (11) Research on inversing mass migration on the earth’s surface and interior with numerical simulation data of the gravity field, and its relationship with the earth’s long-term meteorological variations. (12) Research and development of measuring techniques and methods for space/planetary explorations; research on the process, dynamics and interaction of the atmosphere, ionosphere and surface of earth-like planets. (13) Research on the development and improvement of the theories, error analysis and data processing software systems based on the observation and data processing of various space technologies. (14) Collection and arrangement of various observational data; establishment, maintenance and application of their databases.

        The center is comprised of seven research teams and three key laboratories (including ?). It has 50 research workers including one CAS Member, 16 Researchers, 11 supervisors of Doctoral degree candidates, 6 supervisors of Master degree candidates; in addition, there are more than 30 post-doctoral and visiting scholars.

Department webpage: http://ucar-en.shao.cas.cn/