KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — Take two led to a successful Saturday morning rocket launch from the Space Coast.

Today’s SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch came after being delayed two days.

Space X sent up a classified satellite for the US government on the last scheduled flight of 2020. Saturday's launch marked the 31st from the Space Coast in 2020.


What You Need To Know

  • SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket

  • Falcon 9 rocket carried National Reconnaissance Office’s NROL-108 satellite

  • Residents in much of Central Florida heard a sonic boom as rocket returned

  • Get more space coverage here

The 230 foot tall Falcon 9 blasted off ​at 9 a.m. from Kennedy Space Center Pad 39A.

A picture perfect launch in the crisp, cool December air.

On board, the NROL-108 satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office.  Not much is known about the top secret payload headed to orbit.

It's the second such satellite launched in a week -- The NROL-44 mission launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy last Thursday.

Eight minutes after liftoff, coming back in a big and loud way, the Falcon 9 first stage booster headed back to Earth for a date with Landing Zone One at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

The sonic boom ringing out as the rocket slowed to below supersonic speeds.

It was the fifth launch and landing for this booster.

The Space X team will refurbish the rocket for future launches, driving down the cost of spaceflight.