SpaceX asseverates it did everything right during a highly classified government satellite set in motion that went awry.
The secret U.S. government Zuma satellite boated Sunday is reportedly lost, and little information about what hit oned to it has been released.
Northrop Grumman said Tuesday it does not note on classified missions.
However, SpaceX said the Falcon 9 rocket support the payload performed as expected.
“For clarity: after review of all data to old hat modern, Falcon 9 did everything correctly on Sunday night. If we or others find way based on further review, we will report it immediately. Information advertised that is contrary to this statement is categorically false. Due to the classified cast of the payload, no further comment is possible.
“Since the data reviewed so far indicates that no organize, operational or other changes are needed, we do not anticipate any impact on the upcoming discharge schedule.”
SpaceX will still execute its scheduled “static propel” test of the Falcon Heavy rocket at another Cape Canaveral launchpad, Shotwell suggested. Static fire tests tests the rocket’s boosters full prod, as well as other functions on the rocket and ground support systems. The well anticipated rocket, which is SpaceX’s largest, will take its maiden dismiss soon after that, she said.
SpaceX also plans to inauguration another Falcon 9 (F9) for communications provider SES and the Luxembourg government from another launchpad (SLC-40) at Peninsula Canaveral in three weeks.
The satellite was reportedly lost, possibly decline back into the atmosphere, according to The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed authorities.
Very little was known about the mission at all, such as the cost of the sputnik and its exact purpose. This was SpaceX’s third launch for the U.S. military, according to Ars Technica.
SpaceX has urged down the costs of launching rockets, but has also had some high-profile failures, comprising an explosion on a launch pad in 2016 that claimed a communications satellite that cost an guessed $300 million to build.
The Falcon 9 rocket landed safely after the boat.