A new 'spy-in-the-sky' satellite has been launched into space by the UK military to help keep an eye on the nation's enemies.
Named Tyche, it is UK Space Command's first satellite that can capture daytime images and videos of the Earth's surface and will support the country's military operations.
It will also help with environmental disaster monitoring, mapping information development and tracking the impact of climate change globally, the Ministry of Defence has said.
The satellite was launched into space on one of Elon Musk's SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets on Friday night from a space force base in California.
The first signals were received from Tyche a few hours after lift off which confirmed its successful launch.
A new 'spy-in-the-sky' satellite has been launched into space by the UK military to help keep an eye on the nation's enemies
Named Tyche, it is UK Space Command's first satellite that can capture daytime images and videos of the Earth's surface and will support the UK's military operations
The satellite was launched into space on one of Elon Musk's SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets on Friday night from a space force base in California
Tyche, which is comparable in size to a washing machine, was designed and built in the UK through a £22 million contract awarded to Surrey Satellites Technology Limited (SSTL).
It is the first satellite to be fully owned by the Ministry of Defence and will be used to strengthen the UK’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
Over a five-year life span, the 150kg satellite will provide imagery to support the UK armed forces.
Maria Eagle, minister for defence procurement and industry, said: 'Tyche will provide essential intelligence for military operations as well as supporting wider tasks across government.
'Tyche also shows the UK's commitment to support innovation in science and technology, stimulating growth across the sector and supporting highly-skilled jobs in the UK.'
The Ministry of Defence said the design and build of Tyche had supported about 100 high-skilled roles at SSTL since 2022.
UK Space Commander Major General Paul Tedman said: 'This is a fabulous day for UK space.
The satellite Tyche is around the size of a washing machine and weighs 150kg
The team from UK Space Command who helped develop the satellite
Britain launches new spy-in-the-sky military satellite to keep an eye on nation's enemies
The first signals were received from Tyche a few hours after lift-off which confirmed its successful launch
The Ministry of Defence said the design and build of Tyche had supported about 100 high-skilled roles at SSTL since 2022
'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.
'Tyche represents the first of a future constellation of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance satellites that we'll launch over the coming years.
'I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate everybody involved with Tyche and thank them for their support.'
Defence equipment and support space team leader Paul Russell described the project as an 'exciting journey'.
He said: 'To see Tyche - the first of a new generation of UK military capabilities - delivered into orbit is an incredibly proud moment and a tribute to everyone's commitment to this key project.'
