A new UK military satellite is already in space

UK launches satellite to support military operations The Tyche satellite is the first UK Space Command satellite capable of capturing daytime images and videos of the Earth’s surface, providing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

The conflict in Ukraine shows that the use of space is critical to military operations, the UK Ministry of Defense said in a statement. Tyche is the first satellite launched under the Defense Ministry’s Space-Based Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Program and will integrate a suite of satellites and ground support systems by 2031.

The array of satellites will support military operations and contribute to other government tasks including monitoring natural disasters, generating mapping information, environmental monitoring and monitoring the impact of climate change on the world.

Tyche was designed and built in the United Kingdom by Defense Equipment & Support under a £22 million contract awarded to Surrey Satellites Technology Limited (SSTL), making Tyche the first satellite wholly owned by the UK Ministry of Defence.

Tyche was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California by SpaceX on a reusable Falcon 9 rocket as part of the ‘Transporter 11’ mission.