The United Kingdom Space Command launched Tyche, its first-ever dedicated Earth-imaging satellite, on Friday to gather intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance data.
The satellite, which will provide daytime images and videos of the Earth’s surface, forms part of the Ministry of Defence’s 10-year multibillion-dollar ISTARI program to improve the country’s space-based ISR capabilities.
Tyche, manufactured by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd, is a washing machine-sized spacecraft that will support a wide range of military operations, including mapping information development and tracking the impact of climate change. Hours after the liftoff, the satellite sent SSTL its first signals, confirming the completed launch.
Maj. Gen. Paul Tedman, commander of UK Space Command, equated Tyche’s success to the potential of the country’s future network of ISR satellites. “The successful launch of Tyche has shown that UK Space Command and its essential partners across defense and industry can rapidly take a concept through to the delivery of a satellite capability on orbit,” he said.