The VSOP 5 GHz continuum survey: The prelaunch VLBA observations

We have imaged with milliarcsecond resolution at 5 GHz 374 strong flat-spectrum radio sources north of declination -44 degrees using the VLBA in 1996 June. The source sample was compiled from the source list for the VLBI Space Observatory Programme (VSOP) Survey Program. About 250 of the sources observed with the VLBA had correlated flux densities greater than or equal to0.3 Jy on the longest VLBA baseline and these sources are currently being observed with VSOP at 5 GHz. This paper presents the results from the VLBA prelaunch observations: the correlated flux density dependence with u-v distance; the contour display of the images; the model fit parameters for each radio component; and improved positions for 62 sources. Comparisons and extensive cross-referencing with other major VLBI surveys are also given.