Modular Cleanrooms & the UK MoD's Tyche Satellite

Tyche is the UK Space Command’s first satellite capable of capturing daytime images and videos of Earth. Launched into orbit in August 2024, the project promises stronger intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance [ISR] capabilities.

Designed and assembled by our partners Surrey Satellite Technology [SSTL], Monmouth Scientific are proud that the Modular Cleanroom, installed within the Assembly, Integration & Test [AIT] Hall at their Guildford HQ in 2022, performed an integral function in the Tyche project.

Tyche: A Leap Forward for UK Defence.

Space is central to modern-day military operations. Tyche is the first satellite launched under the Ministry of Defence’s ISTARI programme, aiming to deploy a constellation of satellites with supporting ground systems by 2031.

This new surveillance will offer more than just support to military operations. It also strengthens:

Natural Disaster Monitoring
Environmental Tracking
Climate Change Assessment
Development of Mapping Information

Tyche stands at the forefront of the ISTARI initiative, setting a high standard for the advanced imaging capabilities that will follow.

The Modular Cleanroom for Project Tyche.

Our Modular Cleanroom provided a controlled environment for assembling Tyche’s Imager.

Contamination monitoring had to be precise to ensure accurate alignment of mirrors and trusses. HEPA filtration ensured ISO Class clean air to protect the sensitive payloads. The manufacturing cell eliminated contaminants and ensured the precise optical components remained pristine.

Steve Knox, Head of Payloads at SSTL said: “The main imager alignment took place in the build cell in the AIT hall. In a similar fashion to the HotSat payloads, the main truss, primary mirror, secondary mirror alignment occurs in here.”

6m x 5m Modular Cleanroom, Satellite Engineering Zones.

Flexible Curtain Entry/Exit Points to allow for efficient movement of large equipment in and out of the Manufacturing Cell.

CAMT2000 Clean Air Modules, guarantee positive pressure and an ISO Class 5 clean environment.

HEPA filters [99.997% efficient at 0.3 microns] provide up to 1800m³of filtered air, a total of 60 clean air changes per hour.

Horizontal Laminar Flow Cabinets provide Controlled Zones for complex processes.

Monmouth Scientific | Modular Cleanroom | Surrey Satellite Technology

Pic courtesy of Hamilton Palmer – UK MOD

Monmouth Scientific in the Space Sector.

At Monmouth Scientific, we’re committed to driving innovation and supporting the UK’s evolving presence in space.

Proven Expertise: Trusted by leading satellite manufacturers.
Tailored Solutions: Customised cleanrooms to fit exact mission requirements.
Ongoing Support: End-to-end services from design to installation and maintenance.

Ready to Elevate Your Satellite Project?

Contact our team and discover how our Modular Cleanrooms can enhance your next mission.