Falcon 9 to Launch Zuma

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is targeting a nighttime liftoff from Florida on January 7/8 with the classified Zuma payload built by Northrop Grumman for an undisclosed U.S. Government Agency. Zuma has been puzzling analysts since showing up on SpaceX's manifest last October. Falcon 9 will be tasked with delivering the spacecraft into a Low Earth Orbit with air route closures indicating an inclination of 50-52 degrees and an orbital altitude somewhere between 300 and 1,000 Kilometers.

Per the customer's request, coverage of the ascent mission will end at the point of fairing separation three minutes and 8 seconds into the flight. SpaceX will provide live video of the first stage's return to Landing Zone 1.