By George Allison,
Published by UK Defence Journal, 17 August 2024
According to a press release from the Ministry of Defence, the UK Space Command has successfully launched its first military satellite, Tyche. This marks a milestone in the country’s effort to boost its space-based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
Tyche, which was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, is the first satellite to be fully owned by the Ministry of Defence.
The satellite, comparable in size to a washing machine, will operate in Low Earth Orbit and is expected to provide critical imagery and intelligence in support of UK Armed Forces over its five-year lifespan.
CORRECTION – 19/08/2024: We would like to address a concern raised regarding this article about the launch of the Tyche satellite. While the press release from the Ministry of Defence states that “Tyche is the first satellite to be fully owned by the Ministry of Defence”, it is important to clarify that Tyche is not the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) first satellite. The MOD has previously operated satellites for various military and governmental purposes. However, Tyche represents a significant milestone as it is the first satellite fully owned by the Ministry of Defence and operated under the direct command of UK Space Command.
We appreciate the feedback and strive to ensure accuracy and clarity in all our communications.
The launch of Tyche is part of a broader initiative under the Ministry of Defence’s space-based ISR programme, which aims to develop a constellation of satellites and supporting ground systems by 2031.
These satellites are designed not only to enhance military operations but also to assist with other government tasks, such as natural disaster monitoring, environmental tracking, and mapping.
Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle, highlighted the importance of the satellite, stating, “Tyche will provide essential intelligence for military operations as well as supporting wider tasks across government.”
UK Space Commander, Major General Paul Tedman, praised the collaborative effort that led to the successful launch, saying, “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.”
He also made it clear that Tyche represents the first of many ISR satellites to be launched in the coming years.
The satellite was designed and built in the UK through a £22 million contract awarded by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) to Surrey Satellites Technology Limited (SSTL).
Paul Russell, DE&S Space Team Leader, expressed pride in the project, stating, “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.”
See: Original Article
