Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • UK MoD’s first sovereign ISR satellite launched

Defence Space

UK MoD’s first sovereign ISR satellite launched

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) has announced the successful launch of TYCHE for UK Space Command, which is the MoD’s first sovereign Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) satellite.

Above: TYCHE in the cleanroom.
Courtesy SSTL

Just before 8pm (UK time) on 16th August, TYCHE and 115 other satellites commenced their delivery into Low Earth Orbit on the Space X Falcon 9 Transporter-11 rocket launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, US.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

TYCHE is an optical imaging microsatellite, approximately 160 kg in mass, designed and manufactured in Guildford, UK, by SSTL. TYCHE is the 74th satellite launched by SSTL since 1981.

UK Space Command is a joint Command established in 2021, located at RAF High Wycombe. The Command is responsible for space operations, space workforce and space capability. TYCHE is the first Operational Concept Demonstrator (OCD) satellite delivered under Space Command’s £127 million MINERVA programme, the precursor to an operational constellation under Programme ISTARI.

TYCHE is the latest development of SSTL’s Carbonite class satellites. The first Carbonite spacecraft, Carbonite-1, launched in 2015 and was an innovative development mission hosting a commercial telescope modified for the space environment. The latest Carbonite range features high-resolution optical, mid-wave infra-red or Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payloads. TYCHE features the high-resolution optical payload delivering sub-1m GSD imagery with an Inter-Satellite Link and onboard processing capability.

Andrew Cawthorne, Managing Director - SSTL, said: “TYCHE is a fantastic mission that has continued to develop our relationship with MoD that started with their involvement in the Carbonite-2 mission back in 2016. The UK now has a sovereign space-based ISR capability which is a major milestone on the path to delivering the UK Defence Space Strategy. It is a very proud day for all involved.”

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

Major-General Paul Tedman, Commander of UK Space Command, said: “This is a fabulous day for UK Space. The successful launch of TYCHE has shown that UK Space Command and its essential partners across defence and industry, can rapidly take a concept through to delivery of a satellite on orbit. In many ways today marks the end of the beginning for UK Space Command.

"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. I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate everybody involved with TYCHE and thank them for their support.”

Advertisement
Babcock LB
Titan secures key accreditations

Aerospace Defence

Titan secures key accreditations

2 May 2025

Titan Manufacturing - based in Weymouth, Dorset - has achieved two significant accreditations that position the company as a trusted supplier for military and defence contracts.

UK-made RAF drones become operational

Defence

UK-made RAF drones become operational

2 May 2025

The Royal Air Force’s new UK made drones - known as StormShroud - came into operation today.

Arondite raises $12m to connect defence systems with AI

Defence

Arondite raises $12m to connect defence systems with AI

2 May 2025

British company Arondite - which is building AI to transform how defence organisations safely deliver 'human-machine' teaming at scale - has secured over $12 million in funding from leading global investors.

SubSea Craft unveils MARS USV

Defence

SubSea Craft unveils MARS USV

1 May 2025

British advanced maritime tech company SubSea Craft (SSC) has unveiled a new Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) capability, MARS, marking the company’s second product offering following the success of its VICTA diver delivery platform.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025
SEA secures contract with Thales to support Royal Navy ships

Defence

SEA secures contract with Thales to support Royal Navy ships

1 May 2025

SEA has secured a 15-year contract with Thales as part of the Maritime Sensor Enhancement Team (MSET) programme.

Shipley UK and Kahootz partner to enhance opportunity capture

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Shipley UK and Kahootz partner to enhance opportunity capture

1 May 2025

Kahootz and Shipley UK have announced a strategic partnership to enhance opportunity capture and bid management capabilities.

Advertisement
ODU RT