UK launches its first Earth-imaging military satellite
The UK launched its first military Earth-imaging satellite, Tyche, to support military operations and monitor disasters. Built by Surrey Satellite Technology, it created about 100 high-skilled jobs.
Read original article
The UK has successfully launched its first military Earth-imaging satellite, named Tyche, designed to capture daytime images and videos of the Earth's surface. This satellite will aid British armed forces operations, monitor natural disasters, and assess the impacts of climate change. Built by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) under a £22 million contract, Tyche is the first satellite fully owned by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and is part of a broader initiative to develop a constellation of satellites for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The satellite was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Following its launch, the first signals from Tyche were received, confirming its operational status. Defence Procurement Minister Maria Eagle emphasized the satellite's role in providing essential intelligence for military operations and supporting government tasks. The project has also contributed to the UK economy by supporting approximately 100 high-skilled jobs at SSTL since 2022. UK Space Command's commander, Maj Gen Paul Tedman, highlighted the successful launch as a significant achievement for UK space capabilities, marking the beginning of a new generation of military satellite technology.
- The UK launched its first military Earth-imaging satellite, Tyche.
- Tyche will support military operations and monitor natural disasters and climate change.
- The satellite was built by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd under a £22 million contract.
- The launch took place from Vandenberg Space Force Base on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
- The project has created around 100 high-skilled jobs in the UK.
Related
"People's Satellite" Helped Ukraine Hit over 1k Targets Spy Agency Says
A crowd-funded ICEYE satellite aids Ukraine in targeting and destroying over 1,500 Russian military assets. ICEYE's SAR technology provides crucial intelligence despite adverse conditions, enhancing Ukraine's defense capabilities significantly.
Crowd-Funded Satellite Guides Ukraine's Strategic Destruction of RU War Machine
A crowd-funded satellite from Finland's ICEYE aids Ukraine in targeting and destroying 1,500+ Russian military sites. Dubbed the "People's Satellite," it enhances defense capabilities and guides precise strikes effectively.
Two of the German military's new spy satellites appear to have failed in orbit
Two German military spy satellites by OHB failed due to antenna issues, part of SARah constellation for Bundeswehr. $800 million loss prompts talks for replacements. OHB scrutinized for inadequate testing.
China launches its rival to Elon Musk's Starlink internet satellites
China launched its "Thousand Sails" satellite constellation, deploying 18 satellites to compete with SpaceX's Starlink. The plan includes over 15,000 satellites for global internet coverage by 2025.
China launches first satellites for Thousand Sails megaconstellation
China launched 18 satellites for its Thousand Sails megaconstellation on August 6, 2024, aiming to provide global internet access and compete with U.S. projects like Starlink, backed by $943 million.
- Some commenters highlight the satellite's capabilities and potential military applications, noting its resolution and the strategic advantages it may provide.
- There is a discussion about the misleading title of the article, as it was SpaceX that launched the satellite, raising questions about the UK's independent launch capabilities.
- Concerns are raised regarding the vulnerability of large satellites to anti-satellite missiles, suggesting a need for a more distributed satellite network.
- Commenters express skepticism about the technology being outdated, comparing it to 1960s technology and questioning the UK's delay in developing its own satellite systems.
- Some discussions touch on the implications of publicizing military specifications and the potential for faster reaction times with the MoD's ownership of the satellite.
12 commentsSome sample ~90cm-ish imagery from Airbus Vision-1 (20km swath 87cm resolution) is available at [2].
It looks like it'd be used for knowing when a warship is in port (but perhaps having to guess which one), or when a warship under construction has been floated, or when a large military construction project has started or completed, or when ground for a new military forward operating base has been cleared, etc. Then more expensive higher resolution imagery could be ordered if it were worthwhile to do so.
[1] https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1d77yq9zz2o
[2] https://intelligence.airbus.com/newsroom/satellite-image-gal...
So there is nothing ground breaking there in term of capability. The point is just that this is apparently the first reconnaissance satellite owned by the MoD, which probably means much faster reaction times and more independence.
Interesting factoid:
"One interesting feature is its propulsion system which manoeuvres the satellite using water. The water goes through a thruster that heats it up to make superheated steam. That's how we get thrust and do station-keeping," explained chief technology officer Andrew Haslehurst." [1]
Win for the UK satellite industry here. Also a win for NATO capability that can operate independently of the US if needed.
And this particular launch carried 116 satellites: https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/cvg495lr8pjo
Does somebody here know the military logic behind making these specifications public? I would imagine you don't want your opponents to know how much you know?
This Satellite does not exist: The Story of Zircon(lazerpig)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1CKnFqeXkg
Black Arrow. And why Britain doesn't have a space program(alexander the ok)
Very surprising for a country as large as the UK, I can only assume they used US satellites up until now, and started designing their own due to Trump
Single large satellites are I think going to be sitting ducks for anti-satellite missiles. Be destroyed first five minutes of a war.
What you need is something like Starlink - bazillions of tiny satellites.
Related
"People's Satellite" Helped Ukraine Hit over 1k Targets Spy Agency Says
A crowd-funded ICEYE satellite aids Ukraine in targeting and destroying over 1,500 Russian military assets. ICEYE's SAR technology provides crucial intelligence despite adverse conditions, enhancing Ukraine's defense capabilities significantly.
Crowd-Funded Satellite Guides Ukraine's Strategic Destruction of RU War Machine
A crowd-funded satellite from Finland's ICEYE aids Ukraine in targeting and destroying 1,500+ Russian military sites. Dubbed the "People's Satellite," it enhances defense capabilities and guides precise strikes effectively.
Two of the German military's new spy satellites appear to have failed in orbit
Two German military spy satellites by OHB failed due to antenna issues, part of SARah constellation for Bundeswehr. $800 million loss prompts talks for replacements. OHB scrutinized for inadequate testing.
China launches its rival to Elon Musk's Starlink internet satellites
China launched its "Thousand Sails" satellite constellation, deploying 18 satellites to compete with SpaceX's Starlink. The plan includes over 15,000 satellites for global internet coverage by 2025.
China launches first satellites for Thousand Sails megaconstellation
China launched 18 satellites for its Thousand Sails megaconstellation on August 6, 2024, aiming to provide global internet access and compete with U.S. projects like Starlink, backed by $943 million.