The British Royal Air Force (RAF) has successfully launched the Carbonite-2 demonstrator satellite from Sriharikota in India.

For the first time, the 100kg Carbonite-2 spacecraft has supplied imagery and footage following completion of initial checks.

USAF chief of air staff Sir Stephen Hillier said: “This satellite will not only expand further the RAF’s growing air and space capabilities, it will, I hope, also be an inspiration to those young people looking towards technology as a way to realise their potential.”

The RAF has collaborated with the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) chief scientific advisor, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, and the UK industry to work jointly on the programme to ensure the delivery of high-quality imagery and 3D video footage from space.

The programme also focuses on enabling high-tech satellites to deliver video directly into the cockpit of the fighter aircraft.

This will help enhance situational awareness of the RAF pilots who are expected to receive the best imagery and data anywhere on Earth in real-time.