First UK military satellite launched to capture daytime images of Earth’s surface | UK News

August 17, 2024 TruthUSA

The UK’s first military satellite capable of capturing daytime images and videos of the Earth’s surface has been successfully launched into space.

The satellite, named Tyche, is part of a Ministry of Defence (MoD) program aimed at supporting military operations, as well as natural disaster and environmental monitoring, mapping information development, and tracking climate change impact.

Tyche was launched on Friday from a Falcon 9 rocket owned by SpaceX, the company co-founded by billionaire Elon Musk.

The MoD stated that this launch marks the beginning of a satellite constellation project to enhance the UK’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.

Maria Eagle, minister for defence procurement and industry, mentioned, “Tyche will provide essential intelligence for military operations as well as supporting wider tasks across government.

“Tyche also demonstrates the UK’s commitment to promoting innovation in science and technology, fostering growth within the sector, and creating highly skilled jobs in the UK.”

Tyche, roughly the size of a washing machine, was developed and constructed in the UK through a £22m contract awarded to Surrey Satellites Technology Limited (SSTL) and is the first satellite fully owned by the MoD.

The MoD stated that the war in Ukraine highlighted the importance of space in military operations.

SSTL received the first signals from Tyche a few hours after lift-off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, confirming the successful launch.

The 150kg satellite will operate in low-Earth orbit over a five-year lifespan.

Major General Paul Tedman, UK space commander, 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 the delivery of a satellite capability on orbit.”

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