US spy satellite appears lost after SpaceX launch

WASHINGTON - A highly classified US spy satellite that was launched aboard a SpaceX rocket on Sunday reportedly failed to reach orbit and might have been lost, a SpaceX spokesperson said. But the company defended its performance on Tuesday.

Company President Gwynne Shotwell said the Falcon 9 rocket "did everything correctly" on Sunday night during the launch and suggestions otherwise are "categorically false".

"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," Shotwell said.