The UK has launched its first navy satellite tv for pc capable of seize daytime photos and movies of the Earth’s floor.
The satellite tv for pc, named Tyche, will help British armed forces operations in addition to monitor pure disasters, assist map data improvement and monitor the influence of local weather change globally, the Ministry of Defence mentioned.
The washing machine-sized satellite tv for pc, was designed and constructed within the UK below a £22m contract awarded to Surrey Satellite tv for pc Know-how Ltd (SSTL) and is the primary to be totally owned by the MoD.
The primary indicators from Tyche have been obtained a number of hours after lift-off on Friday night time, confirming the profitable launch from Vandenberg house pressure base, in California, on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as a part of the Transporter-11 mission.
It’s the first to be launched by the MoD out of a constellation of satellites below its space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance programme.
Maria Eagle, the minister for defence procurement and business, mentioned: “Tyche will present important intelligence for navy operations in addition to supporting wider duties throughout authorities.
“Tyche additionally reveals the UK’s dedication to help innovation in science and expertise, stimulating development throughout the sector and supporting extremely expert jobs within the UK.”
The MoD mentioned the design and construct of Tyche had supported about 100 high-skilled roles at SSTL since 2022.
The commander of UK Area Command, Maj Gen Paul Tedman, thanked and congratulated everybody concerned within the improvement of Tyche.
“It is a fabulous day for UK house,” he mentioned. “The profitable launch of Tyche has proven that UK Area Command, and its important companions throughout defence and business, can quickly take an idea by to the supply of a satellite tv for pc functionality on orbit.
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“Tyche represents the primary of a future constellation of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance satellites that we’ll launch over the approaching years.”
The defence tools and help house group chief, Paul Russell, described the challenge as an “thrilling journey”.
He mentioned: “To see Tyche, the primary of a brand new technology of UK navy capabilities, delivered into orbit is an extremely proud second and a tribute to everybody’s dedication to this key challenge.”
