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The secretive Zuma craft, believed to be a satellite, was built by aero defence group Northrop Grumman after an unknown branch of the US government pumped millions into the launch.

Lon Rains, Northrop Grumman’s communications director, said: “The Zuma payload is a restricted payload. It will be launched into low Earth Orbit.”

Millions streamed the launch online, but the feed dramatically cut out before viewers caught a glimpse of the Zuma craft – leaving some confused.

One Twitter user said: “I was enjoying watching until you cut the feed prior to stage 2 (T-2).”

(Image: GETTY)

Another posted: “SpaceX your live broadcast cut out at T-2 and did not reconnect for me. Disappointed.”

The Zuma craft was launched from SpaceX’s Flacon 9 rocket at the Kennedy Space Centre, in Florida.

Its launch was successfully carried out following a series of delays earlier this week.

Mr Rains added: “The US Government assigned Northrop Grumman the responsibility of acquiring launch services for this mission. We have procured the Falcon 9 launch service from SpaceX.

(Image: GETTY)

“As a company, Northrop Grumman realises that this is a monumental responsibility and have taken great care to ensure the most affordable and lowest risk scenario for Zuma.”

Hype for Sunday’s launch grew in recent weeks after stunned crowds watched in awe as a SpaceX satellite soared above California.

The phenomenon even sparked fears among some that aliens were about to make first contact.