UK Ministry of Defence's TYCHE ISR satellite launched

UK Ministry of Defence's TYCHE ISR satellite launched
by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) Aug 17, 2024

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) has successfully launched TYCHE, the UK Ministry of Defence's (MOD) first sovereign Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) satellite. This milestone represents a significant achievement for UK Space Command, which oversees space operations and capabilities.

TYCHE, weighing approximately 160 kg, was one of 116 satellites deployed into Low Earth Orbit on August 16, 2024, aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 Transporter-11 rocket, launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Designed and manufactured by SSTL in Guildford, UK, TYCHE is the 74th satellite launched by the company since its first mission in 1981.

This launch marks an important step for UK Space Command, established in 2021 at RAF High Wycombe, as it pursues the UK Defence Space Strategy. TYCHE is the first Operational Concept Demonstrator (OCD) satellite delivered under the GBP 127 million MINERVA program, which is a precursor to the full-scale operational constellation planned under Programme ISTARI.

TYCHE is part of SSTL's Carbonite series of satellites, known for their innovative design. The first in the series, Carbonite-1, launched in 2015, introduced a commercial telescope adapted for space use. The latest Carbonite models, including TYCHE, feature high-resolution optical imaging, mid-wave infrared, or Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payloads. TYCHE itself is equipped with a high-resolution optical payload, capable of delivering sub-1-meter ground sample distance (GSD) imagery, and includes inter-satellite link and onboard processing capabilities.

Andrew Cawthorne, Managing Director of SSTL, commented, "TYCHE is a fantastic mission that has continued to develop our relationship with MOD that started with their involvement in the Carbonite-2 mission back in 2016. The UK now has a sovereign space-based ISR capability which is a major milestone on the path to delivering the UK Defence Space Strategy. It is a very proud day for all involved."

Major-General Paul Tedman, Commander of UK Space Command, remarked, "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 delivery of a satellite on orbit. In many ways today marks the end of the beginning for UK Space Command.

"Tyche represents the first of an entire constellation of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance satellites that we"ll launch over the coming years to rapidly increase support to the nation, and our sailors, soldiers, aviators, and civil servants who are so dependent on space. I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate everybody involved with Tyche, and thank them for their support."