Chilbolton Observatory Website Links For
Observatory
 

Information About

Chilbolton Observatory





OVERVIEW


The Chilbolton Observatory operates many pieces of research equipment associated with Radar propagation and Meteorology . As Of 2007 , these include {Link without Title} :


TIMELINE OF PROJECTS


  • EarthCARE programme {Link without Title}

  • models

  • 2006 - Chilbolton Observatory joined forces with several European Space Agency sites to verify the L band radio transmissions from the GIOVE-A satellite {Link without Title}

  • 2006 - NERC Cirrus and Anvils: European Satellite and Airborne Radiation measurements project



HISTORY

Construction of Chilbolton Observatory started in 1963 . It was built partially on the site of US Air Station 404, which was decommissioned in 1946 . Several sites around the south-east of England were considered for the construction. The site at Chilbolton, on the edge of Salisbury Plain , was chosen in part because of excellent visibility of the horizon and its relative remoteness from major roads whose cars could cause interference.

The facility was opened in April, 1967 . However, within several months of being commissioned the Azimuth bearing of the antenna suffered a catastrophic failure. GEC were contracted to repair the bearing and devised a system to replace the failed part while leaving the 400 Tonne dish ostensibly in-place.

Originally, the antenna was engaged in Ku Band Radio Astronomy , but now operates as a S and L band radar.


REFERENCES



EXTERNAL LINKS