US monitoring high-altitude balloon over the west
The officials say 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.
Feb. 23, 2024, 5:59 PM EST
By Courtney Kube, Mosheh Gains and Megan Lebowitz
The U.S. military is 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 U.S. is not saying who owns the balloon, but two U.S. officials said that early indications suggest it is not from a foreign government.
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.
http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/us-monitoring-high-altitude-balloon-west-rcna140275
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