Salt Lake City, Utah – Officials confirmed on Saturday that the high-altitude balloon intercepted over the U.S. was determined to be a “hobby balloon” after flying at an altitude exceeding 40,000 feet above Utah. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) stated that the balloon did not pose a threat to national security.
Following the interception by a NORAD fighter jet, it was revealed that the balloon, measuring around 50 feet tall and carrying a 2-foot cube, was closely monitored until it exited U.S. airspace. The U.S. military, in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), tracked the balloon to ensure its trajectory did not compromise security measures.
This incident comes in the wake of a similar occurrence where a Chinese spy balloon flew over the U.S., prompting heightened vigilance in monitoring airspace for potential threats. The spy balloon incident last year, which eventually led to its interception off the coast of South Carolina, raised concerns about reconnaissance activities and espionage.
Despite denials from Beijing regarding the espionage allegations, reports indicate that China has previously deployed spy balloons over Taiwan and other regions. In response to last year’s events, NORAD made adjustments to radar systems to enhance detection capabilities and address evolving security challenges in the airspace.
The interception of the hobby balloon serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to safeguard national security and detect potential threats in U.S. airspace. The coordination between NORAD, the FAA, and other relevant agencies highlights the importance of proactive monitoring and response strategies to ensure the safety and security of the country’s airspace.