Anne ApplebaumHas someone written the definitive explanation of why China, which has high tech satellites, internet spyware and access to reams of stolen data, would even need a spy balloon?
Matthew Nadler@anneapplebaum didn’t they claim it was a weather balloon? Isn’t it remotely possible they’re telling the truth?
ML2@matthewmuses @anneapplebaum From what I have heard, the main issue with it being a weather balloon is the enormous amount of solar panels on the balloon, which is not normal for weather balloons but not uncommon for spy ones. This article mentions that there are certain advantages to having balloons instead of satellites. It also posits that the balloon’s termination mechanism probably failed and that it wasn’t likely intended to come over to the US.
