Space Brief 24 Oct 2024
Today's Space Brief highlights SpaceX Crew-8's return, Intelsat-33e satellite breakup, SpaceX's upcoming Starship tests, and notable launches including China's new mega-constellation.
USA 280 (ZUMA) (43098)
COSPAR: 2018-001A | Alt Name: USA 280
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 8, 2018
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
43098
International Designator
2018-001A
Decay Date
Unknown
Basic Satellite Info
Name
USA 280 (ZUMA)
Alternative Name
USA 280
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
NROC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The satellite named USA 280 (ZUMA), identified by NORAD as CAT_ID 43098 and OBJECT_ID 2018-001A, was launched on January 8, 2018, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of approximately 5 meters in length, 3 meters in diameter, and spans about 10 meters across. It had a dry mass of 6,000 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 8,000 kilograms. Its manufacturer is NGAS, and it belongs to the NROC (National Reconnaissance Office). The satellite's configuration is listed as Eagle-3, and its shape is described as Box. Additional details such as mission purpose, power source, and major events are not specified in the provided data.
Physical Characteristics
Length
5
Diameter
3
Span
10
Dry Mass
6000
Launch Mass
8000
Shape
Box
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
ZUMA
Purpose
?
Mission
?
Manufacturer
NGAS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
ZUMA
Configuration
Eagle-3 ?
Motor
?
Equipment
?
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
€140M ESA Launcher Funding at Risk of Lapse | KeepTrack Space Brief
Nearly €140 million in ESA launcher development funds faces forfeiture with no replacement mechanism. Europe's independent launch capacity under pressure as Arianespace struggles.
SpaceX and Starlink
This article delves into SpaceX's incredible journey from its inception to becoming a space industry leader, and its Starlink project's mission to provide global internet access.
X Report 6 Mar 2025
Starship Flight 8 set for launch, new milestones in the defense sector, and launch updates dominate today's news.
X Report 15 Nov 2025
SpaceX made headlines with back-to-back Falcon 9 launches from Florida, successfully deploying 29 additional Starlink satellites, further enhancing its extensive broadband network.
X Report 18 Apr 2025
Cape Canaveral launch site activities intensify; SpaceX explores new subscription model for Trump's Golden Dome.
Space Brief 24 May 2025
Today's key space events include a milestone Falcon booster landing, advances in US military satellite operations, and a new missile defense initiative.
X Report 7 Feb 2025
DIU explores SpaceX Starship's in-space refueling; Investors advise startups against competing or emulating SpaceX.