![]() Launch by SpaceX of the Zuma satellite | |
Names | |
---|---|
Mission type | Military (classified) |
Operator | Northrop Grumman, for the U.S. government[3] |
COSPAR ID | 2018-001A |
SATCAT no. | 43098 |
Spacecraft properties | |
Manufacturer | Northrop Grumman |
Start of mission | |
Launch date | 8 January 2018, 01:00UTC[1] |
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°[3] |
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.[1][4] The National Reconnaissance Office was in charge of the Zuma project,[5] though its purpose has not been disclosed.[2][6] 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."[7] 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.[8][9]
Following the launch, unnamed sources stated that the satellite was lost during deployment and re-entered the atmosphere,[10] and independent investigations concluded that the spacecraft likely failed to separate from its payload adapter.[11]
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