  Space very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations of the quasar
3C216 with the VLBI Space Observatory Programme (VSOP) reveal that the parsec
scale structure of the source can be well described by compact jet models
developed for interpreting the core region of radio-loud active galactic nuclei
(AGN). The measured brightness temperature of T_(b) = 7.9*10^{11} K is
comparable to the inverse Compton limit, from which we determine a lower limit
of delta ~ 3.17 for the Doppler-boosting factor. The apparent transvers
velocity of the superluminal component is beta_(app) = (3.0+-0.2) h^{-1}
asuming a constant velocity, but deceleration of the jet material cannot be
excluded from our data. A combination of the above values indicates that the
viewing angle of the core-jet to the line-of-sight is less than 18.4 degrees,
and the jet Lorentz-factor exceeds 3.16. The observed small size of the source
is probably caused by both interaction with the interstellar medium, and a
projection effect.
