The satellite dish depends

When a satellite nicknamed Zuma disappeared after its launch into orbit, conspiracy theories abounded. Speculation was fuelled by the secrecy surrounding the project. The satellite was built by Elon Musk’s SpaceX company, reportedly for the US government, but its purpose and trajectory were classified.

Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist at the HarvardSmithsonian Center for Astrophysics, dismissed theories that Zuma was intended for covert surveillance.

“I see a lot of people suggesting that the loss of Zuma is a front, a cover to hide a successful insertion in a secret orbit or some other scam,” he said. “This is just not plausible. I am confident other experts will agree with me.”

Depending on which Zuma he was referring to, some might not.

Busisiwe Mkhwebane