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In Photos: SpaceX Rocket Launches Secret Zuma Spacecraft

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Liftoff for Zuma!

SpaceX Zuma Launch - Gallery Only

(Image credit: SpaceX)

What Is Zuma

The mission emblem for SpaceX's launch of the secret Zuma payload on Nov. 16, 2017.

(Image credit: SpaceX)

While SpaceX webcast its Zuma launch, the nature of the mission itself was secret. All that is known is that Zuma was launched for the U.S. government and was destined for low-Earth orbit.

A Northrop Grumman Spacecraft

SpaceX's Zuma launch

(Image credit: Paul Hennessy/Polaris/Newscom)

The Zuma launch by SpaceX was arranged by aerospace and defense company Northrop Grumman, which built the Zuma spacecraft for the U.S. government. This photo shows a clear look at the payload fairing (nosecone) ahead of the mission's launch on Jan. 7, 2018.

Lighting Up the Night

SpaceX Zuma Launch - Gallery Only

(Image credit: SpaceX)

SpaceX launched the Zuma mission at 8 p.m. EST, lighting up the night sky along Florida's Space Coast in with a dazzling display.

Soaring Upward

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the secret Zuma spacecraft for the U.S. government launches Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Jan. 7, 2018 in this still from a SpaceX video.

(Image credit: SpaceX)

At the request of Northrop Grumman, SpaceX cut off live views from the Falcon 9's upper stage about 3 minutes into the Zuma flight,

Liftoff!

SpaceX's Zuma launch

(Image credit: Paul Hennessy/Polaris/Newscom)

As with past SpaceX launches, the Falcon 9 rocket used on the Zuma launch was equipped with landing legs (visible folded against the booster's bottom) so its first stage could return to Earth.

Stunning Sight

SpaceX's Zuma launch

(Image credit: CrowdSpark/Newscom)

This long-exposure view shows SpaceX's Falcon 9 launching Zuma (the main arc) with the Falcon 9 first stage returning to Earth.

A Beach View

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the secret Zuma spacecraft for the U.S. government launches Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Jan. 7, 2018 in this still from a SpaceX video.

(Image credit: SpaceX)

This dazzling SpaceX view captures the Zuma launch from a Florida beach. The Falcon 9 first stage's return to Earth is visible as the shorter arc in the background.

Returning to Earth

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the secret Zuma spacecraft for the U.S. government launches Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Jan. 7, 2018 in this still from a SpaceX video.

(Image credit: SpaceX)

This long-exposure SpaceX photo shows the return of the Falcon 9 first stage as the booster to Landing Zone 1 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

Touchdown!

SpaceX Zuma Launch - Gallery Only

(Image credit: SpaceX)

The Falcon 9 booster made a flawless landing at SpaceX's Landing Zone 1, marking the company's 21st booster landing.

A Delayed Flight

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the secret Zuma spacecraft stands atop Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida ahead of its planned launch on Jan. 7, 2018.

(Image credit: SpaceX)

SpaceX initially planned to launch the Zuma mission in mid-November, but delayed the launch while awaiting the results of payload fairing tests for a different mission.

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