4 ms·
Turnaround/prototyping. Getting a sensor onto a spy sat is a multi-year process of testing and validating. But a new balloon can probably be built and flown i
by sandworm101 4y ago
Turnaround/prototyping. Getting a sensor onto a spy sat is a multi-year process of testing and validating. But a new balloon can probably be built and flown in a matter of weeks. So any country trying to learn how to spy from above might want to build up the relevant corporate knowledge using balloons.
- SpicyP 4y agoWhy did they need to test it over the United States though? If the purpose was prototyping you’d think they could have done that locally
- prox 4y agoWho is to say they already have? And they felt it was time to put the thing to use.
- psychphysic 4y agoTesting acceptability? Probably also why such a dramatic response from the US. Before satillites flew over enemies no one was too sure if they'd be attacked immediately (they weren't).
- vineyardmike 4y agoChinese doesn't need to learn how to spy or build up knowledge, and they surely have plenty of satellites at this point.