VLBI Space Observatory Programme observation of the quasar PKS 2215+020: Anew laboratory for core-jet physics at z=3.572

We report results of a VLBI Space Observatory Programme (VSOP) observation of a high-redshift quasar, PKS 2215+020 (z = 3.57). The similar to1 mas res olution image of the quasar reveals a prominent "core-jet" structure on lin ear scales from 5 h(-1) to 300 h(-1) pc (H-0 = 100 h km s(-1) Mpc(-1)). The brightness temperatures and sizes of bright features identified in the jet are consistent with emission from relativistic shocks dominated by adiabat ic energy losses. The jet is powered by a central black hole with estimated mass of similar to4 x 10(9) M-.. Comparisons with VLA and ROSAT observatio ns indicate the possible presence of an extended radio/X-ray halo surroundi ng 2215+020.