SpaceX will kick off 2018 with a Falcon 9 launch

Falcon 9 with Zuma on top at LC-39A
Photo Credit // SpaceX

After several delays because of maintenance and some fairing issues, "Zuma" is ready to launch. SpaceX had originally planned to launch Zuma from Historic LC-39A on November 16th being an issue showed up during testing of a fairing set for another customer. After Zuma would've launched, all focus would go toward Falcon Heavy and getting the launch pad ready for the launch, but since the long delay, the employees started work on getting Falcon Heavy ready for its launch this month. The classified satellite was un-mated from the fully stacked Falcon 9 and moved elsewhere for safe storage. The Falcon 9 that will be used to launch Zuma has been moved to SLC-40 to launch from there to make room for Falcon Heavy at LC-39A. The launch for Zuma is currently set for Thursday, January 4th with a two-hour launch window starting at 8:00pm EST. The Falcon 9 will lift off from SLC-40 carrying Zuma and will perform a landing back at SpaceX's Landing Zone 1 almost 8 minutes after liftoff. The webcast for the launch will go live on SpaceX's website about 15 minutes before liftoff.