Tyche (satellite)
| Mission type | Military Earth observation |
|---|---|
| Operator | United Kingdom Space Command |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Manufacturer | Surrey Satellite Technology |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 16 August 2024 |
| Rocket | Falcon 9 (Transporter-11) |
| Launch site | Vandenberg Space Force Base |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric orbit |
| Regime | Low Earth orbit |
Tyche is a British military Earth observation satellite operated by United Kingdom Space Command. It was launched on 16 August 2024 aboard a Falcon 9 rocket as part of SpaceX’s Transporter-11 rideshare mission.[1][2]
The satellite provides optical imagery of the Earth in support of defence intelligence and other government uses.[3]
Background
Tyche was developed as part of UK plans to expand sovereign space-based intelligence and reconnaissance systems.[4] The satellite was manufactured by Surrey Satellite Technology.[5]
Launch
Tyche was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on 16 August 2024 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.[5] The mission formed part of SpaceX’s Transporter-11 rideshare flight. It was the first satellite operated by UK Space Command to be placed into orbit.[6]
Mission
Tyche provides daytime imagery of the Earth to support military operations, disaster monitoring and related government tasks.[7]
References
- ^ "UK Space Command launches first satellite". Janes. 16 August 2024. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- ^ Insinna, Valerie (16 August 2024). "UK launches first military spy satellite from Falcon 9 rocket". Breaking Defense. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- ^ Haynes, Deborah (16 August 2024). "First UK military spy satellite launched that captures daytime images of Earth's surface". Sky News. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- ^ "UK launches its first Earth-imaging military satellite". The Guardian. 17 August 2024. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- ^ a b "UK Space Command launches first satellite". Janes. 16 August 2024. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- ^ Insinna, Valerie (16 August 2024). "UK launches first military spy satellite from Falcon 9 rocket". Breaking Defense. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- ^ Haynes, Deborah (16 August 2024). "First UK military spy satellite launched that captures daytime images of Earth's surface". Sky News. Retrieved 2 March 2026.