The satellite is expected to give UK Armed Forces improved observation from space, along with a new trial network of ground sensors to monitor threats to UK satellites under Project Inaros.
Titania and Inaros are British-built and designed, part of more than £3 billion worth of defence investment over the next four years to strengthen UK’s presence in space and protect satellites critical to daily life.
“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,” Secretary of State for Defence Wes Streeting said.
“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.
“Titania and Inaros are British-built and British-designed, backed by more than £3 billion of investment in space capabilities. That means highly skilled jobs across the UK, a stronger industrial base and a more secure United Kingdom.”
Titania is the second satellite in the UK’s growing constellation of military satellites in orbit, following the successful launch of Tyche in October and will be operated by UK Space Command as part of the ISTARI program.
Like Tyche, Titania weighs around 100 kilograms and orbits the Earth every 90 minutes, travelling at 27,000 kilometres per hour.
The successful launch comes as the Ministry of Defence also stands up Project Inaros, a new trial of an advanced network of sensors designed to monitor space from three sites around the world.
“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,” said Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, the Chief of the Air Staff.
“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.”
Titania was designed and built in Hampshire by the partnership of Defence Science and Technology Laboratory and BAE Systems as part of a £9.5 million contract and will be followed by satellites Juno, with SSTL, and Oberon, with Airbus Defence and Space.
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