4 ms·

Does the baloon transmit the data back via sattelite or is it recorded on a device and has to be phisically retrieved?

• hoppyhoppy2 4y ago
  That's a good question. I haven't heard any information one way or the other, and it wouldn't surprise me if the public never learns those kinds of details (or, rather, only learns in 30 years or whenever it gets declassified)
• ourmandave 4y ago
  If it we're me I'd assume whatever the balloon is carrying is expendable since it over foreign airspace and/or weather is a thing. They're controlling the altitude so I assume they have it transmit data back either upon command or continuously.
  • exitb 4y ago
    Do you have any source for the claim that the balloon altitude was controlled remotely? I didn't see it mentioned until now.
    • hoppyhoppy2 4y ago
      The Pentagon press secretary said that the balloon was known to have "the ability to maneuver" but didn't offer details. There's some discussion at https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/chinese-spy-balloon-has-unexpected-maneuverability/ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/chinese-spy-ballo...
    • CydeWeys 4y ago
      For what it's worth, this is how the Project Loon balloons worked. It's a proven concept.
      • exitb 4y ago
        It sure is, but the Chinese claim is that this was a lost piece of scientific equipment, out of range for for any active control.
        • CydeWeys 4y ago
          And the Chinese government lies about anything and everything.