A small, high-altitude balloon has been observed drifting over the United States, causing some concern among U.S. officials and the military. The balloon, floating between 43,000 and 45,000 feet, prompted NORAD to send aircraft to investigate. However, it was determined that the balloon was not maneuverable and did not pose a threat to national security. The FAA also confirmed that the balloon did not pose a hazard to flight safety.
The origins and purpose of the balloon remain unknown, but it is reportedly made of Mylar with a small cube-shaped box hanging below it. This event comes one year after tensions between the U.S. and China escalated when a Chinese spy balloon carrying sophisticated spying equipment flew over the U.S. for several days.
The Chinese government claimed that the spy balloon was collecting weather data and had deviated from its planned course due to high winds. The U.S. military ultimately shot down the balloon off the coast of South Carolina. The incident became a political issue for President Biden, who faced criticism for allowing the balloon to transit over the U.S. for nearly a week before taking action.
Following the spy balloon incident, the U.S. military shot down several unidentified objects over the U.S. and Canada in the following weeks. The objects were believed to be balloons tied to private companies, recreational or research institutions studying weather or conducting scientific research.
The spy balloon incident strained diplomatic relations between the U.S. and China, leading Secretary of State Antony Blinken to cancel a trip to Beijing. Blinken later visited China in an attempt to ease tensions over various issues, including the spy balloon and Chinese military activities in the South China Sea. As the situation continues to unfold, U.S. officials and the military will remain vigilant in monitoring airspace for any potential threats.