The UK Space Command’s Tyche reconnaissance satellite was launched on 16 August aboard the SpaceX Transport 11 mission.
Tyche is the first satellite of the UK Space Command’s £127 million MINERVA programme, which is a precursor of its ISTARI programme. The UK Space Command announced the launch of the ISTARI programme in 2022 with the aim of developing a constellation of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance satellites for the country’s military. The government has committed £968 million to the programme. The constellation and its supporting ground systems are expected to be fully operational by 2031.
“Tyche represents the first of an entire constellation of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance satellites that we’ll launch over the coming years to rapidly increase support to the nation, and our sailors, soldiers, aviators, and civil servants who are so dependent on space,” explained Major-General Paul Tedman, Commander of UK Space Command.
The 160-kilogram Tyche satellite was built by SSTL at a cost of £22 million. It is the first Operational Concept Demonstrator satellite delivered under the MINERVA programme. The satellite features a high-resolution optical payload capable of sub-one-metre resolution, allowing it to capture daytime images and videos of the Earth’s surface. The satellite also features an inter-satellite link and onboard processing capabilities.
UK Space Command appoints a new head
The launch of Tyche was overseen by the recently appointed new Commander of the UK Space Command, Major General Paul Tedman. Former Commander Paul Godfrey, who had held the UK Space Command’s top job since it was established in April 2021, left the position for an appointment as Assistant Chief of Space Operations for Future Concepts and Partnerships for the United States Space Force.
Major General Tedman takes up the position of Commander of the UK Space Command after serving two years with the US Space Command.
“Two years as Deputy J5 at US Space Command have exposed me to the importance of space and the counterspace threat and strengthened my resolve to rapidly develop UK space capabilities and integrate them with the joint force,” explained Major General Tedman.
