SpaceX is launching a super secret satellite
known as ZUMA.
What is ZUMA?
Let's find out.
This is an interesting story to talk about
because everyone's been scrambling to figure
out what this secret satellite that SpaceX
is launching for the US Government is.
It's called ZUMA.
Now don't confuse this with a Mazda car, zoom
zoom, or that deliciously disgusting alcohol
from the 90's, known as Zima, this is entirely
different but here's what we do know.
ZUMA first popped up on the public's radar
when the FCC filed paperwork on October 14th,
2017.
SpaceX didn't even publicly acknowledge the
launch until after the static fire of their
Falcon 9 leading up to the launch.
We only know a few other things.
We know the payload was built by Northrup
Grumman and the mission was labeled "government."
It might be fairly urgent as it was given
a launch window needed of November 1st through
November 30th of this year.
At this point no government agency has claimed
the satellite which leads to further secrecy.
We also know where this is going in space.
It's heading to low Earth orbit at a 51.6
degree inclination.
SpaceX had set two launch windows one on the
15th at 8:00 p.m. Eastern local and then they
set another one after a scrub on the 16th.
And then they even actually had a third one
on the table for a minute, but then they pulled
that attempt stating this; "We have decided
to stand down and take a closer look at data
from recent fairing testing for another customer.Though
we've preserved the range opportunity for
tomorrow, we'll take the time needed to complete
the data review and then confirm a new launch
date."
but for now, no new launch date has been set
and we'll see if this delay has any effect
on Falcon Heavy.
Now don't forget ZUMA, the ZUMA satellite
is launching from Pad 39A, which is also the
same launch pad that SpaceX is preparing for
Falcon Heavy.
So while they're waiting for ZUMA, there's
basically day that ZUMA gets delayed it probably
is pushing back the initial flight of Falcon
Heavy.
So we'll have to see, so hopefully this thing
gets off the ground very soon.
I'm hoping sometime this week, so we'll see!
Um now what do you think ZUMA is?
Let us know in the comments below and we like
your comment it might actually end up in next
week's live show, or in the week after that
because there's a delay, but anyway!
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Well that's gonna do it for me.
I'm Tim Dodd, the Everyday Astronaut.
Bringing space down to Earth for everyday
people.
