On Sunday, the SpaceX launched a secretive American payload known as Zuma. This mission’s nature still remains a mystery. Zuma was launched from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The Space Exploration Technologies Corp., also known as SpaceX is a private American aerospace manufacturer and a space transport services company based in California.
Zuma was delivered to low Earth orbit. The low Earth orbit is defined as the orbital path less than 1,200 miles above the Earth’s surface. The spacecraft Zuma was constructed for the U.S. Government. It is not unusual for the Government to conceal information about sensitive payloads. It is said usually these type of payloads involve military concern like National security, defence or surveillance. Zuma’s precise location in the low Earth orbit is not yet disclosed. It is still unknown why exactly such secrecy and special protection was required.
Zuma was supposed to be launched in November but SpaceX postponed the launch. It is said SpaceX wanted to take a closer look at the potential problems with the fairing and the nose cone of the rocket protecting the payload. SpaceX has launched National Security payloads in the past including a spy satellite for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office.
Northrop Grumman, an Aerospace and Defence company based in Virginia built the Zuma spacecraft. The company in a statement said, “The U.S. Government assigned Northrop Grumman the responsibility of acquiring launch services for this mission.” They further added, “Northrop Grumman realizes this is a monumental responsibility and we have taken great care to ensure the most affordable and lowest risk scenario for Zuma.”
Just over two minutes after the launch, the first stage booster separated from the rocket. SpaceX’s live webcast did not show further video coverage of the Zuma after the first stage of separation. They only confirmed the payload is on its way to the low Earth orbit.
SpaceX and Pentagon did not respond to the multiple requests made to comment about the nature of this secret mission.
