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A large radio telescope in an open space.

Welcome to

Chilbolton Observatory

Contact our teams

Chilbolton Observatory is a nationally significant facility providing a unique environment for experimental science, technology development, and atmospheric research. Set within a rural landscape in Hampshire, the Observatory combines open space, technical infrastructure, and expert operational support to enable cutting-edge experimentation across a wide range of disciplines.

Access to a unique research environment

Chilbolton Observatory’s unique setting supports researchers to conduct experiments, including:

  • Minimal electromagnetic interference
  • Clear, long-range lines of sight
  • A controlled, low-noise environment

Providing ideal conditions for experiments requiring precision, reliability and repeatability.

Expert teams to support your work

Our experienced facility team work closely with users throughout their projects, delivering a range of support levels based on user requirements:

  • Instrument hosting site access
  • Completion of full experiments
  • Experimental design and technical planning
  • Data processing and generation

Facilities at Chilbolton Observatory

The observatory provides a comprehensive suite of facilities that support national and international research. Multiple radar systems operate across different frequencies, including the 25-metre steerable antenna capable of satellite tracking UK missions and debris monitoring. The site also hosts a meteorologically instrumented test range with decadal datasets. These facilities enable pioneering research in weather and climate science, radio communications, and satellite tracking, supporting both UK and international projects.

Satellite tracking and characterisation suite

Chilbolton Observatory supports research in atmospheric science, radiocommunications, astronomy, and space technology through a range of specialist facilities, reinforcing the UK’s global role in advanced space and environmental science.

Meteorological radar suite

The Observatory’s radar systems provide high-resolution observations for atmospheric and radiocommunications research. These measurements support scientific studies, technology development and model validation.

Atmospheric instrument Suite

A range of instruments for atmospheric and meteorological measurements, supporting research into clouds, aerosols and environmental processes, enabling...

Future communications test environment

An controlled, open-air test site conduct radio communication and signal propagation experiments.

Collaborators

Logo for the Centre for Environmental Data Analysis
UK Space Agency Logo
LOFAR
esa logo

Research programmes

As well as hosting researchers from around the UK, our in-house research programmes make use of our facilities to conduct experiments and gather data.

Quantum Sensors and Technology

Developing space‑deployable quantum sensors and related technologies for applications in Earth observation, planetary science, space weather and fundamental physics.

Remote Sensing

Developing advanced schemes to generate multi‑year global datasets of atmospheric trace gases, aerosols and clouds from satellite observations.

Space Domain Awareness

Creating capability for Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) and operational space weather monitoring and forecasting.

Learn more about working with us at Chilbolton Observatory

Whether you’re interested in collaborating on a project or hosting an instrument on our site, contact our teams to explore how we can work with you.

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