High-Altitude Hobby Balloon Intercepted by US Fighters Over Utah, NORAD Says

A suspected hobby balloon intercepted by fighter aircraft over Utah has left US airspace, confirmed by NORAD. The "small balloon" flew at an altitude of 43,000 to 45,000 feet and was determined not to pose a national security threat. NORAD has no further information about the balloon. An official described the balloon as 50 feet tall, carrying a payload the size of a two-foot cube. NORAD stated that the balloon, intercepted by NORAD fighters over Utah, was not a threat to national security or flight safety. This development occurred a year after a Chinese spy balloon was tracked across the US and subsequently shot down. NORAD has since made adjustments to its sensors to detect high-altitude balloons more effectively.

Interception of the Balloon

A suspected hobby balloon, referred to as the "small balloon," was intercepted by fighter aircraft over Utah, prompting confirmation from NORAD about its exit from US airspace.

Balloon Description and Safety Determination

The balloon, reported to be 50 feet tall and carrying a payload the size of a two-foot cube, was determined not to pose a national security threat or risk to flight safety despite its high altitude.