New cutting-edge satellite to provide 'essential intelligence' for UK military operations

The UK Space Command has launched its first dedicated Earth-imaging satellite to provide “essential intelligence” for military operations.

Called Tyche, the satellite can capture daytime images and videos of the Earth’s surface, strengthening the UK’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities (ISR), the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.

Minister for defence procurement Maria Eagle 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.”  

Funded by a £22m contract awarded to Surrey Satellites Technology Limited (SSTL), Tyche is the first satellite to be fully owned by the MoD.

The washing machine-sized spacecraft launched from a space base in California last Friday, aboard a SpaceX rocket as part of the Transport 11 mission.

The rideshare mission also took satellites from other organisations, including the European Space Agency.

The launch comes days after Elon Musk, who owns Space X, clashed with Prime Minister Keir Starmer over police handling of the riots that took place across England and Northern Ireland earlier this month. Musk shared claims that the police were treating the rioters more harshly than minority groups. North of the border, Musk also recently found himself in a racism row with former first minister Humza Yousaf.

The first signals from Tyche were received a few hours after lift-off, confirming the successful launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base.

The satellite will operate in low Earth orbit, at an altitude of roughly 500km, for the next five years.

Aside from supporting military operations, the MoD has said the satellite will also help to monitor natural disasters, develop mapping information, and track the impact of climate change around the world.

Colleagues from SSTL watching the Space X launch | MoD

Tyche is the first of a constellation of satellites set to be delivered by the MoD’s space-based ISR programme by 2031.

It is understood some of these future spacecrafts will be able to see through clouds and even eavesdrop on radio transmissions.

UK Space Commander 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.”