Named Tyche, it’s the UK Space Command’s first satellite which can capture daytime images and videos of Earth’s surface, and strengthens the UK’s increasingly critical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. Its design, build and launch was enabled by a £22 million contract we awarded to Surrey Satellites Technology Limited (SSTL).

Tyche, which weighs 150kg, is the first satellite launched under the UK MoD’s space-based ISTARI programme, which will deliver a constellation of satellites and supporting ground systems by 2031.

These 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.

Tyche is the first satellite to be fully owned by the Ministry of Defence. It was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, by SpaceX on their re-usable Falcon 9 rocket, as part of the ‘Transporter 11’ mission on 16^th August.

And the first signals from Tyche – which is comparable in size to a washing machine – were received a few hours after lift-off, confirming the successful launch.

Operating in low Earth orbit over a five-year lifespan, Tyche will provide timely space-based imagery.

UK Space Commander, Major General Paul Tedman, said:

 “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.”

Hear from our Space Team Leader

Paul Russell, said:

“We worked closely with UK Space Command, Dstl and industry to understand how to deliver in a new, complex and critical environment.

“Seeing 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.”