While the balloon was in the air, American U-2 surveillance planes took pictures of it to determine its capabilities. Its equipment was intended for reconnaissance surveillance and did not match the equipment installed on board the meteorological balloons.
The scout balloon had multiple antennas in an array that was capable of collecting and geo-localizing messages. The solar panels on the craft were large enough to power several active sensors to gather intelligence.
The US government is confident that the company that made the balloon has direct commercial ties with the People’s Liberation Army and the Chinese military.
“The United States will also consider taking action against PLA-affiliated organizations that supported the balloon’s intrusion into US airspace,” the State Department said, citing China.
Recall that the United States off the coast of Carolina shot down a Chinese balloon, which was considered a spy bullet.
Later, the US military said it was searching for the remnants of a Chinese reconnaissance balloon shot down on Saturday by the US Air Force. They want to study the presence of China’s spy technologies.
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