Zuma (satellite)

Zuma was a classified United States government satellite that was presumably lost shortly after its launch on January 7, 2018, from Cape Canaveral, Florida, atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite's purpose, owner, and even its precise orbital destination remain officially undisclosed.

The mission was shrouded in secrecy, with only the name "Zuma" released as a codename for the project. It was reportedly built by Northrop Grumman. Following the launch, reports surfaced suggesting the satellite failed to separate from the Falcon 9's second stage, leading to its eventual reentry and destruction in the Earth's atmosphere. SpaceX, however, maintained that its Falcon 9 rocket performed as expected.

Due to the classification of the mission, official confirmation of the satellite's failure has never been provided. Various theories and speculations abound regarding the nature of the Zuma satellite and the circumstances of its purported loss, ranging from equipment malfunctions to deliberate deception. The lack of transparency surrounding the project has fueled considerable public interest and debate.