A UK satellite to support military operations successfully
launched into space last night.
Named Tyche, the satellite is UK Space Command's first satellite
which can capture daytime images and videos of the Earth's
surface.
The satellite will strengthen the UK's Intelligence,
Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
As the conflict in Ukraine has shown, 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.
These satellites 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 to Surrey Satellites
Technology Limited (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.
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:
“This is a fabulous day for UK space. 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.”
“I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate everybody
involved with Tyche and thank them for their support.”
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 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 150-kilogramme
satellite has supported around 100 high-skilled roles at SSTL
since 2022.
Tyche was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California,
by SpaceX, on their re-usable Falcon 9 rocket, as part of the
‘Transporter 11' mission.
