Tyche (satellite)

Tyche
Mission typeMilitary Earth observation
OperatorUnited Kingdom Space Command
Spacecraft properties
ManufacturerSurrey Satellite Technology
Start of mission
Launch date16 August 2024
RocketFalcon 9 (Transporter-11)
Launch siteVandenberg Space Force Base
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit
RegimeLow Earth orbit

Tyche is a Britain's first Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) satellite operated by United Kingdom Space Command. It was launched on 16 August 2024 aboard a Falcon 9 rocket as part of SpaceX's Transporter-11 rideshare mission.[1][2]

The satellite provides optical imagery of the Earth in support of defence intelligence and other government uses.[3]

Background

Tyche was developed as part of UK plans to expand sovereign space-based intelligence and reconnaissance systems.[4] The satellite was manufactured by Surrey Satellite Technology (SSTL).[1]

Tyche is intended to be the first of four research and development satellites.[5]

Design

Tyche is a SSTL Carbonite-class microsatellite with a mass of about 160 kilograms (350 lb), carrying a high-resolution optical payload delivering sub-1 metre imagery of 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) wide ground areas, including video. Tyche has a planned five-year lifespan orbiting at an altitude of about 500 kilometres (310 mi) in a sun-synchronous orbit.[6][7]

Belgian company Rhea and American Lockheed Martin are developing ground-based software to control the ISR satellites.[8]

Launch

Tyche was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on 16 August 2024 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.[1] The mission formed part of SpaceX's Transporter-11 rideshare payload flight. It was the first satellite operated by UK Space Command to be placed into orbit.[2]

Mission

Tyche provides daytime imagery of the Earth to support military operations, disaster monitoring and related government tasks.[9] The Defence Intelligence Fusion Centre at RAF Wyton has been involved in processing the imagery generated.[10]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "UK Space Command launches first satellite". Janes. 16 August 2024. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
  2. 1 2 Insinna, Valerie (16 August 2024). "UK launches first military spy satellite from Falcon 9 rocket". Breaking Defense. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
  3. ↑ Haynes, Deborah (16 August 2024). "First UK military spy satellite launched that captures daytime images of Earth's surface". Sky News. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
  4. ↑ "UK launches its first Earth-imaging military satellite". The Guardian. 17 August 2024. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
  5. ↑ Thomas, Richard (19 August 2024). "New UK spy satellite launched into orbit by SpaceX". Army Technology. Verdict Media. Retrieved 2 February 2026.
  6. ↑ Amos, Jonathan (16 August 2024). "UK military satellite launches to boost space power". BBC News. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  7. ↑ "UK Space Command launches first military satellite". Shephard Media. 19 August 2024. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  8. ↑ Chuter, Andrew (29 February 2024). "UK hires two companies to write software to support future satellites". DefenseNews. Gannett. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  9. ↑ Haynes, Deborah (16 August 2024). "First UK military spy satellite launched that captures daytime images of Earth's surface". Sky News. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
  10. ↑ "Defence Intelligence: roles - Detailed guidance - GOV.UK". www.gov.uk. 16 September 2014. Retrieved 7 November 2015.
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