Yes, indeed it would be rather easy for them to figure out (and more likely than not, it probably has been resolved, but who knows). NASA also has the burden o

Yes, indeed it would be rather easy for them to figure out (and more likely than not, it probably has been resolved, but who knows). NASA also has the burden of generating public support and interest in their projects. NASA will cease to exist if it does not receive financing; the only way to get that funding is for people to vote in representatives who care about this. Stories like this can be crafted in such a way to help drum up public support in addition to coming off "mysterious" or "puzzling" to have a better chance of more coverage. This story serves more than one purpose.