Basic principles of scanning space astrometry

We outline the basic principles of scanning space astrometry, such as represented by Hipparcos, Gaia, and some other astrometric satellites planned or proposed. We explain the need for large-angle measurements, why these are essentially one-dimensional, how it is possible to determine absolute parallaxes, and why a Hipparcos-type scanning law is favourable. We discuss the choice of the basic angle between the two viewing directions, the principle of self-calibration, and why the resulting numerical problem must be difficult to solve.