Tyche, comparable in size to a washing machine and weighing 150 kilograms, is designed to capture high-resolution daytime images and videos of the Earth’s surface. Operating in Low Earth Orbit, the satellite will support military operations and broader government tasks, including natural disaster monitoring, environmental surveillance, and tracking the impact of climate change.
This launch represents the first step in the MoD’s ambitious space-based ISR programme, which aims to deploy a constellation of satellites by 2031. The programme is intended to enhance the UK’s ability to gather critical intelligence and conduct surveillance operations in a rapidly evolving global security landscape.
The satellite was developed by Surrey Satellites Technology Limited (SSTL) under a GBP 22 million contract awarded by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S). The project has supported around 100 high-skilled jobs in the UK since 2022.
Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle, highlighted Tyche’s dual role in strengthening military intelligence and supporting various governmental functions. “Tyche will provide essential intelligence for military operations as well as supporting wider tasks across government,” she stated.
UK Space Commander, Major General Paul Tedman, praised the collaborative efforts behind the project, noting, “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.”
