The UK’s Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) has received a competitively won GBP 40 million (EUR 48 million) contract from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to supply an Earth observation satellite for UK military operations.
Called Juno, the satellite will be able to capture daytime images of the Earth’s surface, strengthening the UK’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. Expected to be launched in 2027, Juno will have advanced imagery sensors, building on the capabilities of Tyche: UK Space Command’s first satellite, which was successfully launched in August 2024 and was also built by SSTL.
Both satellites form part of the MoD’s Istari programme, which will deliver a constellation of satellites and supporting ground systems by 2031.
The satellites will support military operations, for instance by monitoring adversary activities, and 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.
“The contract for Juno shows the UK’s commitment to grow one of the most innovative and attractive space economies in the world and keep our competitive edge in space science and technology,” UK Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle was quoted as saying in an MoD press release. “Juno will not only support armed forces personnel deployed globally, but also support highly skilled jobs, delivering on the government’s growth mission,” Eagle added.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, UK Chief of the Air Staff, stated, “With Tyche in space, and Juno now on contract, UK Space Command’s Istari programme is making great strides, showcasing innovation and collaboration across government and industry.
“With these Earth Observation satellites on orbit, UK Space Command and defence will be better equipped to conduct all-domain military operations and deliver assured space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance to the joint force and our allies,” ACM Knighton added.
SSTL managing director Andrew Cawthorne stated that Juno “will offer a step change in imaging capability over Tyche, SSTL’s demonstrator spacecraft which launched in August and is now being operated for UK Space Command”.
SSTL employs around 400 engineers, technicians and support staff across its two sites in Guildford, Surrey, and Bordon, Hampshire.
“With around half of these employees expected to work on the project, Juno will play a key part in securing critical UK skills in the growing global space sector,” the MoD stated. “The project will also help inform the procurement strategy for future space capability requirements.”
