UK Space Command contract with SSTL for Carbonite+ satellite

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) has signed a £22m contract with Defence Equipment and Support on behalf of UK Space Command for a 150kg satellite based on SSTL’s Carbonite+. Project TYCHE is the first satellite procurement for the MINERVA programme which is a key enabler in the development of the foundation for a UK Space-based Intelligence Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) constellation under programme ISTARI. Delivered under a three year build programme, the TYCHE mission will be compatible with both horizontal as well as vertical launch. TYCHE will be operated from SSTL’s Spacecraft Operations Centre in Guildford. The key outcome of project TYCHE will be a robust understanding and analysis of the integration activities, test environments and interfaces required to establish and maintain UK MOD rights to freely operate a space based Intelligence Surveillance and Recognisance (ISR) capability. www.sstl.co.uk