Armed Forces get more eyes in space thanks to new satellite the size of a washing machine
British-built satellite Titania has successfully launched into orbit, giving the Armed Forces a new pair of eyes in space.
Titania is the second in the UK's growing constellation of military satellites following the successful launch of Tyche in August 2024.
The launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California is part of the £3bn committed by the Defence Investment Plan for space-based capabilities to protect UK assets in space and strengthen deterrence on Earth.
Titania is expected to operate for at least five years before being safely deorbited at a time of the Ministry of Defence's choosing.
Like Tyche, Titania weighs around 100kg – about the same as a washing machine – and orbits the Earth every 90 minutes, travelling at 27,000 kilometres per hour.
They are both operated by UK Space Command as part of the ISTARI programme.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, the Chief of the Air Staff, said: "The ability to observe the Earth from space is critical to both national resilience and military advantage. This will be demonstrated by Tyche and Titania, alongside Juno and Oberon in the years ahead.
"We will monitor these vital satellites using state-of-the-art technology around the world, including our Inaros sensors – to ensure our Armed Forces can fight and win wherever they are. "
The successful launch comes as the MOD also stands up Project Inaros, a new trial of an advanced network of sensors designed to monitor space from three sites around the world.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said: "The new space age is here.
"Space underpins everything from weather forecasts and financial transactions to satnavs and mobile phone connections, and it is critical for our national security and military operations.
"Having Titania now in orbit and Project Inaros stepping up how we watch over our satellites means we can see threats sooner, making the UK safer."
Under the ISTARI programme, the MOD is delivering satellites and supporting ground systems to expand space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, giving Armed Forces personnel around the world an operational advantage.
Titania was designed and built in Hampshire by the partnership of Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and BAE Systems as part of a £9.5m contract, and will be followed by satellite Juno with SSTL and satellite Oberon with Airbus Defence and Space.
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