SpaceX poised to launch secretive Zuma mission
SpaceX is no stranger to national security launches
MIAMI: SpaceX is poised to launch on Thursday a secretive payload known as Zuma for the US government, though the nature of the mission and the agency behind it remain a mystery.
The launch atop a Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled from Cape Canaveral, Florida sometime between 8 and 10 PM (0100-0300 GMT Friday).
SpaceX and the Pentagon did not respond to requests for comment about the nature of the mission.
Northrup Grumman — the maker of the payload — said it was for the US government and would be delivered to low-Earth orbit, but offered no other details, according to Space.com.
SpaceX is no stranger to national security launches.
Earlier this year, the California-based company headed by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk launched a spy satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office and an X-37B space plane for the US Air Force.
After liftoff, SpaceX will attempt to return the first stage portion of its Falcon 9 rocket to Earth for a controlled landing on solid ground near Cape Canaveral.
If successful, it will be the 20th upright touchdown for a Falcon 9 since the company began its effort to recycle costly rocket parts and make spaceflight more affordable.