UK Space Command’s first military satellite has been successfully launched, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on 17 August 2024.
Named Tyche, the satellite will strengthen the UK’s space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities by capturing daytime images and videos of the Earth’s surface. Tyche was launched on 16 August from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on board a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket performing SpaceX’s ‘Transporter-11’ mission.
Operating in low Earth orbit over a five-year lifespan, Tyche will provide timely space-based imagery in support of the UK armed forces. Designed and built in the UK through a GBP 22 million (EUR 25.78 million) contract awarded by the MoD’s Defence Equipment & Support organisation to Surrey Satellites Technology Limited (SSTL), Tyche is the first satellite to be fully owned by the MoD and the first satellite to be launched under its space-based ISR programme, which will deliver a constellation of satellites and supporting ground systems by 2031.
The design and build of the 150 kg satellite has supported around 100 high-skilled roles at SSTL since 2022, the MoD noted.
“Tyche will provide essential intelligence for military operations as well as supporting wider tasks across government,” UK Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle was quoted as saying by the MoD. “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.”
“This is a fabulous day for UK space,” added UK Space Commander Major General Paul Tedman. “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 on orbit.
“Tyche represents the first of a future constellation of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance satellites that we’ll launch over the coming years.”
