Thursday, November 16, 2017
SpaceX Plans Launch Of Super Secret Government Payload Today
Hawthorne-based SpaceX is planning yet another launch of a Falcon 9 rocket today, this time from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. According to SpaceX, the launch opening for the mysterious "Zuma payload" opens at 8:00 pm. EST today, with backup windows opening at the same time on Friday and Saturday. No details on the "Zuma" spacecraft have been announced by SpaceX, and the company does not even mention the company's customer for the launch. However, reports say that the payload was built by Northrop Grumman for the U.S. government, and there have been zero details on exactly what government agency contracted the launch, what might be atop the SpaceX Falcon 9, or what orbit the payload is expected to reach. SpaceX did say it plans to land the Falcon 9's first stage on land, at Cape Canaveral, shortly after the separation of the first stage.