The North American Aerospace Defense Command said it detected the balloon at an altitude of between 43,000 and 45,000 feet, higher than most commercial planes fly.
US Air Force pilot looks down at the suspected Chinese surveillance balloon as it hovered over the Central Continental, United States February 3, 2023.A small, shiny balloon has been spotted soaring over the western U.S. on Friday, sparking curiosity and speculation among the public and the authorities.The North American Aerospace Defense Command , the military agency that monitors the airspace over the U.S.
The Federal Aviation Administration also said the balloon did not endanger flight safety, but it would keep an eye on it as it drifted eastward with the jet stream winds. According to theCBS News that it appeared to be made of Mylar, a thin, reflective material often used for party balloons, and had a small cube-shaped box attached to it, measuring about two feet on each side. The official said the box could be a payload, but it was unclear what it contained or why it was launched.over a large part of the U.S. before being shot down by the military off the coast of South Carolina.
NORAD did not say how long it expected the balloon to remain in the sky or if it was visible from the ground. But some people have already posted photos and videos of the balloon on social media, wondering what it was and where it came from. Some have joked that it was a UFO, a prank, or a marketing stunt. Others have suggested it was a science experiment, a hobby project, or a message to someone. But no one has claimed responsibility for the balloon or explained its meaning.Add Interesting Engineering to your Google News feed.2.6-ton International Space Station junk plunging to Earth on Saturday
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