London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The UK has undertaken its first military satellite able to grasp daytime images and videos of the Earth’s surface.
The satellite, called Tyche, will support British armed forces functions as well as monitor natural disasters, support map information development and chase the impact of climate change globally, the Ministry of Defence stated.
How Was the Tyche Satellite Developed and Built?
The washing machine-sized satellite was developed and built in the UK under a £22m contract granted to Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) and is the first to be fully possessed by the MoD. The first indications from Tyche were accepted a few hours after lift-off on Friday night, confirming the triumphant launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base, in California, on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter-11 mission.
It is the first to be undertaken by the MoD out of a constellation of satellites under its space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance agenda.
How Does Tyche Support the UK’s Space-Based Intelligence Efforts?
Maria Eagle, the minister for defence procurement and industry, stated: “Tyche will deliver essential intelligence for military operations as well as sustaining wider tasks across government. Tyche also offers the UK’s commitment to supporting innovation in science and technology, promoting growth across the sector and supporting highly skilled jobs in the UK.”
How Will Tyche Benefit the UK’s Defence and Space Sectors?
The MoD stated the design and build of Tyche had funded about 100 high-skilled roles at SSTL since 2022. The commander of UK Space Command, Maj Gen Paul Tedman, thanked and complimented everyone involved in the development of Tyche.
“This is a fabulous day for UK space,” he stated. “The successful takeoff of Tyche has shown that UK Space Command, and its essential associates across defence and industry, can rapidly take a concept through to the delivery of a satellite capability on orbit. Tyche symbolises the first of a future constellation of intelligence, surveillance and observation satellites that we’ll launch over the coming years.”
The defence tools and support space team leader, Paul Russell, explained the project as an “exciting journey”. He stated: “To see Tyche, the first of a fresh generation of UK military capabilities, delivered into orbit is an incredibly proud moment and a homage to everyone’s commitment to this key project.”