ed fredland: The link at my blog post noting Zuma’s launch goes to SpaceX’s main site, which changes with each mission. To see the Zuma launch now, go here, where it is posted on SpaceX’s youtube site.

Let me add that this CNN report, claiming that the satellite did not reach orbit based on three anonymous sources, is a particularly good example of the kind of bad reporting we are seeing, both on this story and in general. The story focuses on the claims of the anonymous sources, even though there is other evidence that appears to contradict them.

If I had this information from anonymous sources, I might include it in a story, but it would certainly not become the central theme. I would also note that information from all anonymous sources must be considered suspect, especially in connection with this kind of secret government payload.

CNN however has been doing this kind of bad reporting repeatedly in the last few years, and as a result has had numerous stories later debunked (many related to Trump) when it turns out the anonymous sources were using CNN to manipulate the news with disinformation.

Trent Castanaveras: Hear! Hear! Your analysis is right on the money.

From Wired:
“…the adapter mating Zuma to the Falcon 9 rocket was actually built and provided by Northrop Grumman––a fact reported by WIRED in November after obtaining early documents regarding the mission.” [1]

Further:
“…no one has officially confirmed that Zuma was lost…” [1]

The irresponsible reporting on this “story” continues to reach ridiculous levels. The actual facts, verified by official statement/source?

– SpaceX launched Zuma, an unusually clandestine payload.
– SpaceX officials released statements that the Falcon 9 performed correctly throughout the mission.
– Northrup Grumman released a statement that “this is a classified mission. We cannot comment on classified missions.” [2]
– A plane flying in Sudan, Africa captured photos of the F9 2nd stage venting as it performed de-orbit operations. [2]

Most news stories I have read show a marked lack of comprehension of both orbital mechanics and reporting facts. It’s like reading the Weekly World News. (No offense meant to the fine reporters of WWN)

We will most likely never know the fate of Zuma, alive or dead, at least until the mission is declassified in 2060 or so. In the meantime, rampant speculation based on erroneous reporting bordering on fake news gets us nowhere.

Sources:
[1] https://www.wired.com/story/is-spacexs-covert-zuma-payload-missing-in-action/
[2] https://sattrackcam.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/fuel-dump-of-zumas-falcon-9-upper-stage.html

I think this is unlikely. The US has better, more secluded sites to perform that type of test. Kwajalein, in the pacific, would be a better place from which to launch such a test.

Localfluff,

The payload adapter may not be a new design, but it may be different than any adapter that SpaceX provides. For instance, the Iridium adapters are probably different from the ones for the larger geostationary communication satellites.

Gwynne Shotwell’s statement:
https://twitter.com/nova_road/status/950729181897347073
“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.”

Edit:
Follow up

https://twitter.com/nova_road/status/950730294063136768
“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.”

Source: https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=44175.msg1769311#msg1769311