The UK military has successfully launched its first dedicated Earth-imaging satellite, named Tyche, marking a significant milestone in the country’s space capabilities. This move positions the UK to join the ranks of space powers with sovereign imaging capabilities, enhancing its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capacity. The launch took place aboard a SpaceX Falcon rocket from California at 11:56 AM local time (19:56 BST), with the satellite set to orbit Earth at an altitude of approximately 500km for the next five to seven years.
Tyche, a washing machine-sized spacecraft, is part of the UK’s broader plan to establish a network of military satellites over the coming decade. Equipped with optical sensors, Tyche can capture images of battlefield troop positions and vehicles with a resolution of up to 90 centimeters, making it a valuable asset for defense and national security. While its resolution is not as high as some classified US satellites, it meets the UK military’s general requirements for Earth observation.
This launch represents the first step in realizing the UK’s ambition to establish a sovereign constellation of military and national security satellites. The Tyche satellite was developed by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) in Guildford, a company with a long history of building satellites for various commercial and government clients. SSTL’s Carbonite satellite model, which serves as the basis for Tyche, offers rapid assembly and relatively low-cost production, with the entire contract for the Tyche mission worth £22 million.
Tyche was born out of the UK Space Command’s 2021 Space Command Paper and the 2022 Space Defence Strategy, which committed £970 million over 10 years to develop ISR capabilities. These plans are part of a broader effort to establish the UK as a “meaningful space power” by 2030. The UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) hopes that Tyche will be the first of many satellites launched as part of this strategy, with additional spacecraft expected to feature radar sensors that can observe the Earth’s surface in all weather conditions and at night.
UK forces have historically relied on allies, particularly the United States, to provide satellite imagery for reconnaissance and surveillance. However, the launch of Tyche marks the first wholly UK-owned Earth observation capability, providing the British military with greater independence in managing its surveillance needs.
Maj Gen Paul Tedman, commander of UK Space Command, described the launch of Tyche as the “start of a journey” toward transforming the UK into a space power. He emphasized that Tyche represents the first step in a series of planned satellite launches that will expand the UK’s military capabilities in space. “We’re hoping to see many more launches of satellites in the coming months and years,” Tedman said. “Tyche is absolutely the beginning of that.”
An interesting feature of Tyche is its propulsion system, which uses water as a fuel source. The satellite carries 10 liters of water, which is superheated to create steam that powers its thrusters. This unique technology allows Tyche to maneuver and maintain its orbit for its expected operational lifetime of five to seven years.
While the launch of Tyche is a major achievement, there are concerns about the UK’s ability to maintain its space ambitions. The UK has faced criticism for its slow progress in developing long-term space projects, with the Commons Defence Select Committee previously referring to the country as “at best, a third-rank space power.” The government’s track record of delays and budget overruns in defense projects has raised doubts about the future success of the UK’s space strategy.
Nonetheless, the launch of Tyche signals a new era for the UK’s military space capabilities. With more satellites planned, the UK aims to secure its position as a key player in the growing domain of space defense, at a time when space is becoming increasingly crucial in global military conflicts.