UK Space Command launches Surrey-made military satellite

UK Space Command in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire has successfully launched a satellite into space to support British military operations.

Named Tyche, the satellite is UK Space Command’s first satellite which can capture daytime images and videos of the Earth’s surface.

It’s set to strengthen the UK’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.

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 and Support to Surrey Satellite 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 liftoff, confirming the successful launch.

Maria 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.”

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 on Space X’s Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter-11 mission – which also carried the Phisat-2 satellite from Oxfordshire’s Open Cosmos into space.

Major General Paul Tedman, UK Space Commander, added: “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 ISR 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.”