The UK has successfully launched its first dedicated Earth-imaging satellite, named Tyche. This milestone marks a significant step in the nation’s quest to establish a sovereign satellite imaging capability. The washing machine-sized spacecraft, which was built by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), will provide crucial surveillance data to the British military. Tyche was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon rocket from California, and it will orbit the Earth at an altitude of roughly 500km, with an operational lifespan expected to last at least five years.
Tyche’s capabilities include capturing high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface, which can help identify battlefield positions and vehicles. With a resolution of 90cm, Tyche may not match the top-tier performance of some classified US satellites, but it meets the British military’s needs. The satellite is part of a broader strategy outlined in the UK’s 2021 Space Command Paper and the 2022 Space Defence Strategy, aiming to build a network of satellites equipped with advanced sensors, including radar technology that can see through clouds and operate at night.
This launch is a key component of the ISTARI program, which seeks to establish the UK as a significant space power by 2030. Tyche’s propulsion system, powered by water, enables the satellite to maneuver and maintain its position in orbit, promising a sustainable in-orbit life of up to seven years. As the first wholly owned imaging satellite by the UK Ministry of Defense, Tyche signifies the beginning of a new era in UK military and space capabilities.