Whatever it was, the secretive Zuma mission is now in space

Enlarge / The Falcon 9 rocket and its Zuma payload are seen on the launch pad in November. (credit: SpaceX)

Sunday night update: SpaceX provided no additional details about the launch after it delivered the Zuma spacecraft into orbit on Sunday night. As of 10:15pm ET, more than two hours after the launch occurred, it still hadn't even provided official confirmation of mission success. However, the launch appeared to proceed nominally, and shortly after liftoff the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket safely returned to Earth.

The launch clears the way for SpaceX to proceed with the inaugural launch of the Falcon Heavy rocket, perhaps within as few as three or four weeks.

Original post: Originally planned for a November launch, the mysterious Zuma mission may finally go to space on Sunday evening. SpaceX has confirmed that its rocket, and the undisclosed national security payload, are ready for launch, and weather conditions appear to be generally favorable. The two-hour launch window opens at 8pm ET.

Read 5 remaining paragraphs | Comments