It's a lot harder to get rid of a spy satellite than a spy balloon. Also, according to the Outer Space Treaty[0], "outer space shall be free for exploration and

It's a lot harder to get rid of a spy satellite than a spy balloon. Also, according to the Outer Space Treaty[0], "outer space shall be free for exploration and use by all States". A spy balloon is invading your airspace, a spy satellite is not. [0]: https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/spacelaw/treaties/introouterspacetreaty.html https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/spacelaw/treaties/int...