SpaceX insists it did everything right during a highly classified government satellite launch that went awry.

The secret U.S. government Zuma satellite launched Sunday is lost, and little information about what happened to it has been released.

Northrop Grumman said Tuesday they do not comment on classified missions.

However, SpaceX said the Falcon 9 rocket carrying the payload performed as expected.

“For clarity: after review of all data to date, Falcon 9 did everything correctly on Sunday night. If we or others find otherwise based on further review, we will report it immediately. Information published that is contrary to this statement is categorically false. Due to the classified nature of the payload, no further comment is possible.

“Since the data reviewed so far indicates that no design, operational or other changes are needed, we do not anticipate any impact on the upcoming launch schedule. Falcon Heavy has been rolled out to launchpad LC-39A for a static fire later this week, to be followed shortly thereafter by its maiden flight. We are also preparing for an F9 launch for SES and the Luxembourg Government from SLC-40 in three weeks.”

The satellite was reportedly lost, possibly falling back into the atmosphere, according to the Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed sources.

Very little was known about the mission at all, such the cost of the satellite and its exact purpose. This was SpaceX’s third launch for the U.S. military, according to Ars Technica.

SpaceX has driven down the costs of launching rockets, but has also had some high profile failures, including an explosion on a launch pad in 2016 that claimed a communications satellite that cost an estimated $300 million to build.

The Falcon 9 rocket landed safely after the launch.

Source: Tech CNBC
SpaceX rocket 'did everything correctly' in botched spy satellite launch