The UK military is set to launch its inaugural dedicated Earth-imaging satellite, named Tyche, marking a significant milestone in the country’s space capabilities. Scheduled to lift off on a SpaceX Falcon rocket from California at 11:20 local time (19:20 BST), Tyche will orbit Earth at approximately 500 kilometers altitude and is expected to operate for at least five years.
The 160kg satellite, built by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) in Guildford, is designed to provide high-resolution imagery of battlefield positions and vehicles. With a resolution of up to 90 centimeters, Tyche will capture detailed optical images, although it will not reach the 10-centimeter resolution of some classified US satellites.
Tyche’s development is a product of the UK’s Space Command Paper (2021) and the Space Defence Strategy (2022), which outlines a £970 million investment over ten years in the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTARI) program. This initiative aims to establish a sovereign constellation of military and national security satellites equipped with advanced technologies, including radar sensors capable of imaging in all weather conditions and at night.
Maj Gen Paul Tedman, commander of UK Space Command, described the launch as the beginning of a broader space defense strategy: “The space defense strategy lays out how we’re going to become a meaningful space power by 2030. We anticipate many more satellite launches in the coming months and years. Tyche is absolutely the start of that journey.”
Tyche’s propulsion system, which uses water to generate thrust through superheated steam, is a notable feature. The satellite carries 10 liters of water, providing enough for five to seven years of operation. The contract for Tyche is valued at £22 million.
Despite these advancements, the UK has faced criticism for its space capabilities. A 2022 Commons Defence Select Committee report labeled the UK as “at best, a third-rank space power,” and raised concerns about the ISTARI program’s future prospects, citing the Ministry of Defence’s history of delays and budget overruns.
The recent change in government and a comprehensive review of defense needs may impact the future of the ISTARI program. Julia Balm, a research associate at the Freeman Air and Space Institute, King’s College London, noted the importance of maintaining commitment to long-term space projects: “Any negative developments or cutbacks in the ISTARI program could reflect poorly on the UK’s ability to execute large-scale projects and its commitment to becoming a space power.”
As Tyche prepares for its historic launch, it represents a significant step toward enhancing the UK’s sovereign space capabilities and addressing the nation’s growing need for advanced satellite imaging technology.
