NORAD : High-Altitude Balloon Likely Hobbyist’s Craft

A high-altitude balloon that sparked intrigue as it traversed the Rocky Mountains has been identified by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) as a “likely hobby balloon,” no longer within U.S. airspace. The balloon was initially detected over Colorado before NORAD intercepted it over Utah. This incident, occurring just over a year after a Chinese spy balloon raised national security concerns, drew significant attention.

NORAD, in a statement to Forbes, clarified that the balloon, which reached an altitude of 43,000 feet—higher than a typical commercial jet’s cruising altitude—was continuously monitored via ground radars until it exited U.S. airspace overnight. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) coordinated these efforts.

Contrary to initial speculation, NORAD affirmed that the balloon did not pose a national security threat. While no additional information about the balloon was provided, CNN cited an anonymous U.S. official noting that it was smaller than the previously encountered Chinese spy balloon.

The Chinese spy balloon incident from last year, which crossed into U.S. airspace, had raised alarms about potential surveillance capabilities. Although U.S. officials clarified that it did not endanger civilians, concerns lingered about its ability to capture and transmit images. The balloon was eventually shot down over the Atlantic Ocean near South Carolina in February of last year. The incident strained U.S.-China relations, with the Biden administration condemning the unauthorized entry of the Chinese balloon into U.S. airspace as “unacceptable and irresponsible.” China, however, maintained that the balloon was a civilian vessel off course.

Social media speculation surrounding the recent balloon prompted Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) to tweet, “Shoot down the Spy balloon immediately!!!” The situation underscores the sensitivity around aerial objects potentially conducting surveillance, even when they turn out to be benign, like this hobbyist’s balloon.

In conclusion, while the recent high-altitude balloon sighting initially raised eyebrows, it has been determined to be a harmless hobbyist’s craft, highlighting the need for continued vigilance in monitoring airspace activities for security reasons.