Imaging and monitoring the parsec-scale jet in 3C 273 with the VSOP mission

We present results from the first observing epoch (December 1997) of 5 GHz VSOP monitoring program of the parsec-scale jet in 3C 273. At the resolution achieved by the VSOP observation, the jet is transversely resolved, and it exhibits significant edge brightening. The latter may result from velocity gradients or reacceleration zones existing in the jet, due to interactions between the faster jet plasma and slower, non-relativistic outflow or ambient medium.