There has been heightened interest in reports of balloons flying over the U.S. after the military identified – and eventually shot down — a Chinese spy balloon that crossed much of the country last year. But officials say the balloon intercepted Friday was not sent by a foreign adversary and poses no threat to aviation or U.S. security. NORAD has not revealed where the balloon came from or why it was seen flying over Utah and Colorado.
NORAD intercepts high-altitude balloon over Utah, says it doesn't pose any threat
Officials say a fighter jet intercepted the small balloon over Utah — determining it was not maneuverable and did not pose a threat.
Unidentified balloon belongs to amateur balloonist: US official
Officials previously said the balloon, which is hovering at between 43,000 to 45,000 feet, does not appear to pose a national security threat to the U.S.
The high-altitude balloon flying over the western U.S. is the property of an amateur balloonist, a U.S. official told NBC News Saturday.
- Prior to Saturday, the U.S. military said it was monitoring an unidentified "small" balloon flying at high altitudes over the west, according to two U.S. officials and a defense official.
- A fighter aircraft was sent to observe the balloon after it was spotted over Utah this morning.
- The balloon, which is hovering at between 43,000 to 45,000 feet, does not appear to pose a national security threat to the U.S., the officials said.
- The balloon is not maneuverable and has a small box-like payload, the officials said.
NBC News has reached out to the White House for comment. A National Security Council official referred NBC to the Defense Department for official comment.
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