Tycho Orbital

About Tycho Orbital

Tycho Orbital is a technology company developing autonomous navigation solutions for spacecraft in lunar orbit. The firm's core product is a proprietary optical navigation (OpNav) algorithm that enables spacecraft to determine their position without relying on Earth-based tracking systems like the Deep Space Network (DSN). This technology is designed as a low size, weight, and power (SWaP) solution, making it suitable for a variety of lunar missions.

The system functions by using a spacecraft's camera to capture images of the lunar surface. A crater detection algorithm (CDA) then identifies distinct crater patterns, and through camera pose and projection geometry, translates these observations into precise position estimates. The prototype was developed and validated using thousands of high-fidelity synthetic lunar images and has shown effective generalization when tested against real lunar imagery.

The company's business model involves forming strategic partnerships with organizations that operate spacecraft in lunar orbit to validate and refine the technology in real-world conditions. Long-term objectives include enhancing the system with advanced filtering techniques to improve accuracy and eventually deploying the technology for fully autonomous operation on board spacecraft. In July 2025, Tycho Orbital was selected to participate in the UK Space Agency's Accelerator Explore Programme, a national initiative to support promising space technology companies.