Credit: SSTLA UK satellite to support military operations successfully launched into space last week. Named ‘Tyche’, the satellite is
UK Space Command’s first satellite which can capture daytime images and videos of the Earth’s surface and will enhance the UK’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
As the conflict in Ukraine has demonstrated, the use of space is crucial to military operations. Tyche is the first satellite to be launched under the Ministry of Defence’s space-based ISR programme, which will deliver a constellation of satellites and supporting ground systems by 2031.
They will not only support military operations, but also contribute to other government tasks, including natural disaster monitoring, the development of mapping information, environmental monitoring and tracking the impact of climate change around the world.
Designed and built in the UK through a £22 million contract awarded by
Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) to
Surrey Satellites Technology Ltd (SSTL), Tyche is the first satellite to be fully owned by the Ministry of Defence. SSTL received the first signals from Tyche – which is comparable in size to a washing machine – a few hours after lift-off, confirming the successful launch.
Essential intelligence for military operationsMaria Eagle, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, said: “Tyche will provide essential intelligence for military operations as well as supporting wider tasks across government. Tyche also shows the UK’s commitment to support innovation in science and technology, stimulating growth across the sector and supporting highly skilled jobs in the UK.”
UK Space Commander, Major General Paul Tedman said: “The successful launch of Tyche has shown that UK Space Command, and its essential partners across defence and industry, can rapidly take a concept through to the delivery of a satellite capability in orbit. Tyche represents the first of a future constellation of ISR satellites that we will launch over the coming years.”
Paul Russell, DE&S space team leader, said: “Working closely with UK Space Command, Dstl and industry to understand how to deliver in a new, complex and critical environment has been an exciting journey. To see Tyche - the first of a new generation of UK military capabilities - delivered into orbit is an incredibly proud moment and a tribute to everyone’s commitment to this key project.”
Operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) over a five-year lifespan, Tyche will provide timely space-based imagery in support of the UK Armed Forces. The design and build of the 150kg satellite has supported around 100 high-skilled roles at SSTL since 2022.
Tyche was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, by SpaceX, on its re-usable Falcon 9 rocket, as part of the ‘Transporter 11’ mission.