Zuma (satellite)
Launch by SpaceX of the Zuma satellite | |
| Names |
|
|---|---|
| Mission type | Military (classified) |
| Operator | Northrop Grumman, for the U.S. government |
| COSPAR ID | 2018-001A |
| SATCAT no. | 43098 |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Manufacturer | Northrop Grumman |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 8 January 2018, 01:00 UTC |
| Rocket | Falcon 9 Full Thrust |
| Launch site | Cape Canaveral, SLC-40 |
| Contractor | SpaceX |
| End of mission | |
| Decay date | 8 January 2018? |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric |
| Regime | Low Earth |
| Inclination | ≈51° |
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USA-280 (codenamed "Zuma") was a classified United States government satellite that was launched by SpaceX on 8 January 2018, on the 47th flight of the Falcon 9 rocket. The National Reconnaissance Office was in charge of the Zuma project, though its purpose has not been disclosed. In November 2017, Northrop Grumman stated that the launch "is a monumental responsibility and has taken great care to ensure the most affordable and lowest risk scenario for Zuma." The Wall Street Journal reported that the design was very sensitive to vibration and sudden shocks, and had a development cost approaching US$3.5 billion.
Following the launch, unnamed sources stated that the satellite was lost during deployment and re-entered the atmosphere, and independent investigations concluded that the spacecraft likely failed to separate from its payload adapter.