Chilbolton Observatory
Satellite tracking
characterisation suite
Harnessing the capability of Chilbolton’s 25 m fully steerable antenna, this suite supports tracking and characterisation of Earth‑orbiting satellites. It contributes to national resilience in Space Surveillance and Tracking and supports the National Space Operations Centre (NSpoC), which issues around 2,200 collision warnings each month.
Access to expertise
Offering full support, RAL Space staff are responsible for the operation of instruments to provide users with high-precision radar and optical observations, enabling real-time tracking of satellite movements.
Access to facilities
Our tracking facility is capable of operating 24hrs a day and can track launches and re-entries with known trajectories in addition to resident space objects. Our instruments can detect objects in any Earth orbit.
Instrument specifications
CASTR (Chilbolton Advanced Satellite Tracking Radar)
CASTR is an S‑band radar mounted upon the 25-m fully steerable antenna. It is capable of tracking LEO satellites for ranging and characterisation.
COATS (Chilbolton Optical Advanced Tracking Sensor)
COATS is a high-speed optical tracking system with visible and shortwave infrared cameras suitable for tracking in any Earth orbit.
About Chilbolton Observatory
Chilbolton Observatory exists to provide a nationally relevant and unique field test and development environment to power discoveries and innovation so that together we advance knowledge, improve lives and deliver growth.
Access our facilities
Chilbolton Observatory facilities are available to use by UK and international researchers, industry users and funded programmes. Contact our team for more details.
