SALT LAKE CITY, UT - Just over a year after a high-altitude balloon, originating from China, was shot down off the coast of South Carolina by the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. military is tracking another high-altitude balloon.
In the case of the incident last year, it was reported that that balloon was used by China to gather intelligence from several U.S. military sites as it crossed the country. China has denied that the balloon was used for spying, saying that it was a civilian airship used to collect meteorological data. They also said that the balloon unintentionally drifted into the United States.
This balloon is said to be drifting at an altitude of 43,000 feet (13,100 meters) and 45,000 feet (13,700 meters), according to a statement from the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). NORAD also said the balloon is approximately 50 feet tall.
It was initially discovered over Utah and is said to be property of an "amateur balloonist," according to a U.S. official, according to NBC News.
Early discovery of the balloon prompted concern from lawmakers. U.S. Senator Jon Tester and U.S. Representative Matt Rosendale, both of Montana, said that their offices were closely monitoring the situation. Additionally, Utah Governor Spencer Cox office has been in communication with local military officials.
On Friday, NORAD sent fighter pilots up to investigate the balloon. Pilots concluded that the balloon is small, “not maneuverable,” and is not a threat to national or aerospace security, according to spokesman John Cornelio.
An official with the Defense Department said in a statement, “NORAD will continue to track and monitor the balloon. The FAA also determined the balloon posed no hazard to flight safety. NORAD remains in close coordination with the FAA to ensure flight safety.”
Despite reassurance from NORAD and the FAA, Americans continue to be on high alert after last year’s event and reports of increased balloon activity from China over Taiwan. Concerns are growing that China’s potential use of balloons for spying on a global scale.
As of Saturday, officials have no intention of bringing down the balloon currently over the U.S. Instead, they will continue to track and monitor.
In the case of the incident last year, it was reported that that balloon was used by China to gather intelligence from several U.S. military sites as it crossed the country. China has denied that the balloon was used for spying, saying that it was a civilian airship used to collect meteorological data. They also said that the balloon unintentionally drifted into the United States.
This balloon is said to be drifting at an altitude of 43,000 feet (13,100 meters) and 45,000 feet (13,700 meters), according to a statement from the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). NORAD also said the balloon is approximately 50 feet tall.
It was initially discovered over Utah and is said to be property of an "amateur balloonist," according to a U.S. official, according to NBC News.
Early discovery of the balloon prompted concern from lawmakers. U.S. Senator Jon Tester and U.S. Representative Matt Rosendale, both of Montana, said that their offices were closely monitoring the situation. Additionally, Utah Governor Spencer Cox office has been in communication with local military officials.
On Friday, NORAD sent fighter pilots up to investigate the balloon. Pilots concluded that the balloon is small, “not maneuverable,” and is not a threat to national or aerospace security, according to spokesman John Cornelio.
An official with the Defense Department said in a statement, “NORAD will continue to track and monitor the balloon. The FAA also determined the balloon posed no hazard to flight safety. NORAD remains in close coordination with the FAA to ensure flight safety.”
Despite reassurance from NORAD and the FAA, Americans continue to be on high alert after last year’s event and reports of increased balloon activity from China over Taiwan. Concerns are growing that China’s potential use of balloons for spying on a global scale.
As of Saturday, officials have no intention of bringing down the balloon currently over the U.S. Instead, they will continue to track and monitor.
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Comments
2024-02-26T07:01-0500 | Comment by: Jennifer
Seriously!?!?
2024-02-27T10:58-0500 | Comment by: Terry
Shoot it down John!!!