LeoLabs to support the UK’s first ISR satellite in low earth orbit
LeoLabs has been selected to support the launch and operations of the UK Space Command’s Project Tyche, scheduled to launch this summer, with the creation of the UK’s first constellation of ISR satellites in low earth orbit.
Built under the ISTARI programme, the concept aims to “test and demonstrate technologies that will form the UK Space Command’s first ISTARI multi-satellite intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (IS) constellation in Low Earth Orbit,” explained LeoLabs. Project Tyche is the first concept satellite to launch under this programme.
Alongside providing Space Situational Awareness (SSA) services for Tyche, LeoLabs will also offer space domain awareness services to the UK Space Command, including persistent monitoring of selected high-interest objects.
LeoLabs CEO Tony Frazier commented: “We look forward to acting as a critical mission partner to the UK and its Allies for this and future missions, enabling the continued safety and security of space”.
The ISTARI programme is part of the UK’s Defence Space Strategy, published in 2022; a ten-year, £968 million investment to “deliver a multi-satellite system to support greater global surveillance and intelligence for military operations”.
