A Chinese balloon that was allegedly spying on the U.S. was found to be packed with American technology, according to the National Air and Space Intelligence Center in Ohio.

Key Details: The 200-foot-tall balloon, which floated across the country in February 2023, carried technology from at least five U.S. firms. The technology included sensors, a satellite communication module, and other technology as it passed over several U.S. military sites before it was shot down. China had previously maintained that the balloon was only a "civilian meteorological research platform."

Key Quote: “A Chinese company would not have given them a full satcom [satellite communications] coverage of the US,” said a former federal intelligence employee.

For Context: The discovery indicates a U.S. weakness in not restricting American technology exports that could have military uses by adversaries, such as China, Russia and Iran. Private companies may also play a role as they sell their equipment globally but have limited control over the ultimate users.

How the Media Covered it: The New York Post (Lean Right bias) reported that the Chinese balloon was long suspected of spying on Americans but that it was surprising that it held U.S. technology. The Week (Lean Left bias) also reported surprise that the balloon used U.S. technology.