Just Watched the Falcon 9 ZUMA Launch From My House // Mission Was a FAIL // Space X Claiming Success // WTF is Going On ? (news)

submitted ago by Oh_Well_ian

Seen them countless times because I live 14 miles from the Cape. The booster returned but the second stage did not burn. It was LIGHTS OUT at separation. The rocket took a very steep trajectory, at least 20 degrees to vertical from normal. Rocket went dark at the end of first stage and the booster could be seen. Sonic boom confirmed on booster re-entry, but no way satellite could have been deployed. A very bizarre phenomenon when compared to all prior launches.

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beenaroundabit ago

Is it possible the 2nd stage coasted a bit beyond your visual range before it lit off?

Oh_Well_ian ago

no. perfectly clear conditions, no wind. The trajectory was very steep. Rocket usually heads down range ( out to sea ) but went almost straight up. Separation is usually undetectable because of the timing of the second stage burn. It was lights out at the top, no burn. Booster returned as normal. Had laptop outside and was watching coverage. They went straight to the boost return and cut coverage right at touchdown. Weird. Weird. Weird.