The United States was riveted when a suspected  Chinese spy balloon was shot down over the  
The United States was riveted when a suspected  Chinese spy balloon was shot down over the  

country. Strange as it was to see, military  balloons have a long and storied history that  
country. Strange as it was to see, military  balloons have a long and storied history that  

goes back hundreds of years, back to when  balloons were literally the only way to fly.
goes back hundreds of years, back to when  balloons were literally the only way to fly.

Manned ballooning was pioneered by the French,  with the first successful effort completed over  
Manned ballooning was pioneered by the French,  with the first successful effort completed over  

Paris in 1783. The application of flight to war  and espionage came 11 years later. By that time,  
Paris in 1783. The application of flight to war  and espionage came 11 years later. By that time,  

the French Revolution had torn through  the country and France was engaged in a  
the French Revolution had torn through  the country and France was engaged in a  

series of wars with several European states. The  technology behind ballooning had also advanced  
series of wars with several European states. The  technology behind ballooning had also advanced  

to the point where balloons powered by hydrogen  gas could retain altitude for longer durations.
to the point where balloons powered by hydrogen  gas could retain altitude for longer durations.

The first French Aerostatic Corps was  formed in 1794, under the command of  
The first French Aerostatic Corps was  formed in 1794, under the command of  

chemist Jean-Marie-Joseph Coutelle. Their job  was to fly over enemy lines and alert their  
chemist Jean-Marie-Joseph Coutelle. Their job  was to fly over enemy lines and alert their  

own forces to developments through signals or  dropped messages. Their value was demonstrated  
own forces to developments through signals or  dropped messages. Their value was demonstrated  

at the Battle of Fleurus, where timely reports  by the balloonists helped keep Austrian and Dutch  
at the Battle of Fleurus, where timely reports  by the balloonists helped keep Austrian and Dutch  

forces from penetrating the French lines. The  Aerostatic Corps saw regular use throughout the  
forces from penetrating the French lines. The  Aerostatic Corps saw regular use throughout the  

French Revolutionary Wars and was greatly  prized by General Jean-Baptiste Jourdan.
French Revolutionary Wars and was greatly  prized by General Jean-Baptiste Jourdan.

Both the Union and Confederate armies  had balloon units active throughout the  
Both the Union and Confederate armies  had balloon units active throughout the  

American Civil War. The balloons used could  carry one to five people, depending on size,  
American Civil War. The balloons used could  carry one to five people, depending on size,  

and reached altitudes of up to 1,000  feet. Maintaining a connection to the  
and reached altitudes of up to 1,000  feet. Maintaining a connection to the  

ground through ropes, those flying  the balloons would scout out enemy  
ground through ropes, those flying  the balloons would scout out enemy  

troop movements and relay the information  with flags or with portable telegraphs.
troop movements and relay the information  with flags or with portable telegraphs.

The Union's balloon corps came under  the command of Thaddeus Lowe. Lowe was  
The Union's balloon corps came under  the command of Thaddeus Lowe. Lowe was  

a self-taught enthusiast of ballooning who  was captured by Confederate forces during a  
a self-taught enthusiast of ballooning who  was captured by Confederate forces during a  

recreational test flight. After being cleared  of espionage charges and sent back north,  
recreational test flight. After being cleared  of espionage charges and sent back north,  

Lowe promptly became involved in the  very work he'd been accused of. He  
Lowe promptly became involved in the  very work he'd been accused of. He  

was placed in charge of the balloon  corps and led them for two years,  
was placed in charge of the balloon  corps and led them for two years,  

never losing a balloon despite repeated  efforts by the Confederacy to shoot them down.
never losing a balloon despite repeated  efforts by the Confederacy to shoot them down.

"This is professor Thaddeus Lowe. He'll go up  in his balloon to direct your artillery fire."
"This is professor Thaddeus Lowe. He'll go up  in his balloon to direct your artillery fire."

Bureaucratic infighting cost Lowe his corps in  1863, and the unit never saw use under General  
Bureaucratic infighting cost Lowe his corps in  1863, and the unit never saw use under General  

Ulysses S. Grant in the final years of the war.  Lowe's interests shifted to freezing technology,  
Ulysses S. Grant in the final years of the war.  Lowe's interests shifted to freezing technology,  

and he declined all offers to share his  knowledge and experience with other countries  
and he declined all offers to share his  knowledge and experience with other countries  

inspired by his success with balloon espionage.
inspired by his success with balloon espionage.

The most iconic vehicles of the Royal Air Force  are probably the Spitfires that faced down the  
The most iconic vehicles of the Royal Air Force  are probably the Spitfires that faced down the  

Nazi Messerschmitts during World War II. But  any kind of airplane was a far-off dream in  
Nazi Messerschmitts during World War II. But  any kind of airplane was a far-off dream in  

the 19th century when the British Empire  was expanding throughout Africa. Then,  
the 19th century when the British Empire  was expanding throughout Africa. Then,  

the only aerial option for warfare was ballooning.  Elements within the British military had an  
the only aerial option for warfare was ballooning.  Elements within the British military had an  

interest in making use of balloons as early as  1862, according to the Royal Air Force Museum,  
interest in making use of balloons as early as  1862, according to the Royal Air Force Museum,  

but the army didn't begin testing their  worth until 1878. Over the following decade,  
but the army didn't begin testing their  worth until 1878. Over the following decade,  

they were deployed on campaigns in South Africa  and Sudan. After 1890, a dedicated section of  
they were deployed on campaigns in South Africa  and Sudan. After 1890, a dedicated section of  

the Royal Engineers, with a supporting school,  was created to provide aeronautical services.
the Royal Engineers, with a supporting school,  was created to provide aeronautical services.

Three units of balloons were sent to aid  British forces in the Boer War in 1899.  
Three units of balloons were sent to aid  British forces in the Boer War in 1899.  

According to the Royal Air Force Museum, they  were ordered to perform reconnaissance ahead  
According to the Royal Air Force Museum, they  were ordered to perform reconnaissance ahead  

of the Battle of Magersfontein, but their work  was of limited value. This had less to do with  
of the Battle of Magersfontein, but their work  was of limited value. This had less to do with  

any limitations of the balloons and more to  do with commander Lord Methuen's refusal to  
any limitations of the balloons and more to  do with commander Lord Methuen's refusal to  

wait for them to arrive. By committing to an  attack a day before his air cover's arrival,  
wait for them to arrive. By committing to an  attack a day before his air cover's arrival,  

Methuen probably wrote his own defeat. But in  the aftermath, he told his superiors that the  
Methuen probably wrote his own defeat. But in  the aftermath, he told his superiors that the  

intelligence gathered by the balloonists during  the battle after they arrived was invaluable.
intelligence gathered by the balloonists during  the battle after they arrived was invaluable.

The successful use of spy balloons by  Union forces in the American Civil War  
The successful use of spy balloons by  Union forces in the American Civil War  

inspired other nations throughout the 19th  century. The War of the Triple Alliance,  
inspired other nations throughout the 19th  century. The War of the Triple Alliance,  

a conflict between Paraguay on one side and  Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay on the other,  
a conflict between Paraguay on one side and  Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay on the other,  

began in 1864. Fighting within Paraguayan  territory was complicated by the allied  
began in 1864. Fighting within Paraguayan  territory was complicated by the allied  

forces' limited knowledge of often swampy  terrain. To counter this, Brazilian commander  
forces' limited knowledge of often swampy  terrain. To counter this, Brazilian commander  

Luis Alves de Lima e Silva put a new unit  into the field in 1867: the balloon unit.
Luis Alves de Lima e Silva put a new unit  into the field in 1867: the balloon unit.

Among World War I's dubious honors is the advances  
Among World War I's dubious honors is the advances  

in military technology employed  by all sides during the conflict.
in military technology employed  by all sides during the conflict.

"Stay still."
"Stay still."

This included innovations on the spy balloon.  According to the World War I Museum and Memorial,  
This included innovations on the spy balloon.  According to the World War I Museum and Memorial,  

three types of balloons saw use during  the Great War. The tethered balloon,  
three types of balloons saw use during  the Great War. The tethered balloon,  

also called a captive balloon, operated on  the same principles as balloons used in the  
also called a captive balloon, operated on  the same principles as balloons used in the  

prior century. Controlled by operators  holding the ropes anchoring the balloon,  
prior century. Controlled by operators  holding the ropes anchoring the balloon,  

aeronauts would observe and report  on enemy movements and the condition  
aeronauts would observe and report  on enemy movements and the condition  

of the terrain. Advances in binoculars  improved on past limits to visibility.
of the terrain. Advances in binoculars  improved on past limits to visibility.

World War I also saw the deployment  of what were called free balloons,  
World War I also saw the deployment  of what were called free balloons,  

or balloons with no tether. They were  often used to disperse propaganda.
or balloons with no tether. They were  often used to disperse propaganda.

The third class of balloon used in World War I  was the dirigible. Much larger than other balloons  
The third class of balloon used in World War I  was the dirigible. Much larger than other balloons  

and loaded with engines and equipment, dirigibles  were limited in movement. Their main advantage was  
and loaded with engines and equipment, dirigibles  were limited in movement. Their main advantage was  

that they could maintain a position for longer  periods than other balloons and so allow the  
that they could maintain a position for longer  periods than other balloons and so allow the  

crew aboard to gather more intelligence. As the  war progressed, their ability to carry heavier  
crew aboard to gather more intelligence. As the  war progressed, their ability to carry heavier  

loads also saw them used offensively:  A dirigible could be loaded with bombs.
loads also saw them used offensively:  A dirigible could be loaded with bombs.

Besides reconnaissance, military balloons  were put to another purpose in World War II:  
Besides reconnaissance, military balloons  were put to another purpose in World War II:  

obfuscation. According to the National  Air and Space Museum, the use of large  
obfuscation. According to the National  Air and Space Museum, the use of large  

balloons to provide cover against enemy fire  began in Europe during the first world war,  
balloons to provide cover against enemy fire  began in Europe during the first world war,  

but while successfully employed by Allied  forces in World War I, the United States  
but while successfully employed by Allied  forces in World War I, the United States  

was slow to adopt these barrage balloons for  its own military. Besides limited funding,  
was slow to adopt these barrage balloons for  its own military. Besides limited funding,  

any advancements in the American balloon program  were frustrated by competition among the branches  
any advancements in the American balloon program  were frustrated by competition among the branches  

of the armed forces over control. The  situation wasn't resolved until 1941,  
of the armed forces over control. The  situation wasn't resolved until 1941,  

when Camp Tyson was formed in Paris,  Tennessee to develop America's balloon fleet.
when Camp Tyson was formed in Paris,  Tennessee to develop America's balloon fleet.

Barrage balloons were used on the home  front as a safeguard against possible  
Barrage balloons were used on the home  front as a safeguard against possible  

follow-up attacks by Japanese forces on the  west coast, and on the front lines of Europe.  
follow-up attacks by Japanese forces on the  west coast, and on the front lines of Europe.  

D-Day saw the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion  flying over the landing ships off Omaha Beach.
D-Day saw the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion  flying over the landing ships off Omaha Beach.

Espionage services are sometimes  called upon to commit acts of sabotage,  
Espionage services are sometimes  called upon to commit acts of sabotage,  

and Japanese forces attempted to use military  balloons to such ends during World War II. The  
and Japanese forces attempted to use military  balloons to such ends during World War II. The  

project was developed by scientists who realized  that balloons loaded with explosive devices could  
project was developed by scientists who realized  that balloons loaded with explosive devices could  

be sent along a Pacific air stream. If the  balloons landed in the Pacific Northwest,  
be sent along a Pacific air stream. If the  balloons landed in the Pacific Northwest,  

they could cause massive forest fires that  might demoralize American citizenry and  
they could cause massive forest fires that  might demoralize American citizenry and  

cause trouble for any military  activities on the west coast.
cause trouble for any military  activities on the west coast.

The Fugo bombs, as they were known, were  made of paper and carried 33-pound bombs.  
The Fugo bombs, as they were known, were  made of paper and carried 33-pound bombs.  

They could travel to North America in  a matter of days. It's estimated that  
They could travel to North America in  a matter of days. It's estimated that  

6,000 balloons were deployed during the war. The  effectiveness of the campaign, however, is hard to  
6,000 balloons were deployed during the war. The  effectiveness of the campaign, however, is hard to  

gauge. The U.S. government prevented any reporting  on the bombs, with the aim of frustrating Japanese  
gauge. The U.S. government prevented any reporting  on the bombs, with the aim of frustrating Japanese  

efforts to monitor the endeavor. Two incidents  in 1945 were reported: One resulted in an entire  
efforts to monitor the endeavor. Two incidents  in 1945 were reported: One resulted in an entire  

family being killed in Oregon and the other  caused a temporary power outage for Hanford  
family being killed in Oregon and the other  caused a temporary power outage for Hanford  

Engineer Works in Washington state, where work  was being done on the first nuclear weapons.
Engineer Works in Washington state, where work  was being done on the first nuclear weapons.

"From the over 9,000 balloon bombs launched,  only about 300 made it across the Pacific Ocean."
"From the over 9,000 balloon bombs launched,  only about 300 made it across the Pacific Ocean."

A good number of the Fugo balloons landed  without detonating, and sightings came  
A good number of the Fugo balloons landed  without detonating, and sightings came  

in for decades after the war's end. Some  balloons drifted as far inland as Michigan  
in for decades after the war's end. Some  balloons drifted as far inland as Michigan  

before coming down to earth. Others came as  far north as Alaska. The most recently found  
before coming down to earth. Others came as  far north as Alaska. The most recently found  

balloon was in British Columbia in 2014. A mysterious collection of debris is found in  
balloon was in British Columbia in 2014. A mysterious collection of debris is found in  

the desert, unlike any commonly known technology.  Could it be evidence of visitors from beyond the  
the desert, unlike any commonly known technology.  Could it be evidence of visitors from beyond the  

stars? Or could it be a reconnaissance balloon  deployed for the Cold War that went off-course?  
stars? Or could it be a reconnaissance balloon  deployed for the Cold War that went off-course?  

The former has excited the imagination of UFO  enthusiasts for decades, and is arguably a lot  
The former has excited the imagination of UFO  enthusiasts for decades, and is arguably a lot  

more fun. But the latter is the more probable  explanation for the infamous Roswell incident.
more fun. But the latter is the more probable  explanation for the infamous Roswell incident.

In 1947, the United States began Project Mogul,  an intelligence operation designed to monitor  
In 1947, the United States began Project Mogul,  an intelligence operation designed to monitor  

any potential nuclear tests carried out by the  Soviet Union. According to Smithsonian Magazine,  
any potential nuclear tests carried out by the  Soviet Union. According to Smithsonian Magazine,  

a series of large balloons armed with  surveillance equipment were launched from  
a series of large balloons armed with  surveillance equipment were launched from  

the Los Alamos National Laboratory  in New Mexico into the ionosphere,  
the Los Alamos National Laboratory  in New Mexico into the ionosphere,  

where they rode the jet stream until  they reached Russian territory.
where they rode the jet stream until  they reached Russian territory.

But one stray balloon never made it out of New  Mexico. It crashed near the town of Roswell,  
But one stray balloon never made it out of New  Mexico. It crashed near the town of Roswell,  

was discovered by farmers who had no idea  what the tin and rubber contraption was,  
was discovered by farmers who had no idea  what the tin and rubber contraption was,  

and examined by local officials equally  flummoxed. When the Air Force was alerted,  
and examined by local officials equally  flummoxed. When the Air Force was alerted,  

they considered it more important to cover  up any intelligence activities tied to the  
they considered it more important to cover  up any intelligence activities tied to the  

growing Cold War than to provide an honest or  plausible explanation. A newspaper quoted an  
growing Cold War than to provide an honest or  plausible explanation. A newspaper quoted an  

intelligence officer describing the wreckage  as a flying saucer, and a legend was born.
intelligence officer describing the wreckage  as a flying saucer, and a legend was born.

"After the Roswell incident,  
"After the Roswell incident,  

hundreds of other reports of UFOs  and flying saucers came flooding in."
hundreds of other reports of UFOs  and flying saucers came flooding in."

The Cold War fueled paranoias, intrigues, and  sophisticated operations. Whether or not they  
The Cold War fueled paranoias, intrigues, and  sophisticated operations. Whether or not they  

were helpful or even plausible, the climate of  the time demanded that intelligence agencies  
were helpful or even plausible, the climate of  the time demanded that intelligence agencies  

have plans and projects at the ready.  One such scheme was hatched by the U.S.  
have plans and projects at the ready.  One such scheme was hatched by the U.S.  

Air Force in the 1950s. Christened Project  Moby Dick, the operation required hundreds  
Air Force in the 1950s. Christened Project  Moby Dick, the operation required hundreds  

of unmanned spy balloons to be set adrift  from Europe, float over Soviet territory,  
of unmanned spy balloons to be set adrift  from Europe, float over Soviet territory,  

take photographs, and be collected in the  air once they'd reached Japanese airspace.
take photographs, and be collected in the  air once they'd reached Japanese airspace.

Development of the types of balloons used in  Project Moby Dick was the American military's  
Development of the types of balloons used in  Project Moby Dick was the American military's  

highest priority after the H-bomb. Each balloon  carried a small box loaded with camera, film,  
highest priority after the H-bomb. Each balloon  carried a small box loaded with camera, film,  

padding, and sensors to gauge altitude and  manage ballast. There was also an identity  
padding, and sensors to gauge altitude and  manage ballast. There was also an identity  

card on each balloon, claiming it was  a harmless meteorological instrument  
card on each balloon, claiming it was  a harmless meteorological instrument  

and that a reward would be given for its  return to allied authorities unspoiled.
and that a reward would be given for its  return to allied authorities unspoiled.

The U.S. recorded 448 successful  launches for Project Moby Dick,  
The U.S. recorded 448 successful  launches for Project Moby Dick,  

but Soviet authorities were quick to notice and  protest the unwelcome craft. The balloons were  
but Soviet authorities were quick to notice and  protest the unwelcome craft. The balloons were  

relatively easy to shoot down when they came  into low altitudes, and the vast majority were  
relatively easy to shoot down when they came  into low altitudes, and the vast majority were  

either destroyed or crashed. The project lasted  less than a month in 1956 before being called  
either destroyed or crashed. The project lasted  less than a month in 1956 before being called  

off. A handful of balloons made it back and  provided useful intelligence, but the Soviets  
off. A handful of balloons made it back and  provided useful intelligence, but the Soviets  

were able to gather intel of their own from  the balloons that landed in their territory.
were able to gather intel of their own from  the balloons that landed in their territory.

In 2011, Wired reported that the U.S. military  budget for balloons was $1 billion. As the War  
In 2011, Wired reported that the U.S. military  budget for balloons was $1 billion. As the War  

in Afghanistan continued, improvised bombings  by insurgents were becoming a greater threat  
in Afghanistan continued, improvised bombings  by insurgents were becoming a greater threat  

to NATO forces, and scouting tools like  the Predator drone ran up a big price  
to NATO forces, and scouting tools like  the Predator drone ran up a big price  

tag. A large investment in spy balloons  would allow troops to cheaply deploy a  
tag. A large investment in spy balloons  would allow troops to cheaply deploy a  

greater number of tethered craft with  mounted cameras to scope out terrain.
greater number of tethered craft with  mounted cameras to scope out terrain.

The use of reconnaissance balloons in the  War in Afghanistan was labeled the Persistent  
The use of reconnaissance balloons in the  War in Afghanistan was labeled the Persistent  

Threat Detection Symbols program. Its funding  initially came from money appropriated for  
Threat Detection Symbols program. Its funding  initially came from money appropriated for  

military vehicles, putting the Pentagon  and the House of Representatives at odds  
military vehicles, putting the Pentagon  and the House of Representatives at odds  

before the billion dollar budget was  granted. In addition to spy balloons,  
before the billion dollar budget was  granted. In addition to spy balloons,  

the army began using decoy craft to  tray and draw out insurgent fire.
the army began using decoy craft to  tray and draw out insurgent fire.

Spy balloons weren't only used in combat  during the War in Afghanistan. In 2009,  
Spy balloons weren't only used in combat  during the War in Afghanistan. In 2009,  

The Washington Post reported that  a single balloon with live video  
The Washington Post reported that  a single balloon with live video  

feed dubbed "marshmallow man" was  used to monitor elections in Kabul.
feed dubbed "marshmallow man" was  used to monitor elections in Kabul.

Public knowledge and interest in spy  balloons greatly increased in early  
Public knowledge and interest in spy  balloons greatly increased in early  

2023 when media outlets began reporting  on the presence of Chinese balloons  
2023 when media outlets began reporting  on the presence of Chinese balloons  

flying over American and Canadian  airspace. According to The Guardian,  
flying over American and Canadian  airspace. According to The Guardian,  

neither craft was assessed to pose a danger,  though flights out of Billings Logan airport  
neither craft was assessed to pose a danger,  though flights out of Billings Logan airport  

in Montana were briefly suspended as one  of the balloons passed over the state.
in Montana were briefly suspended as one  of the balloons passed over the state.

"It was loaded with cameras and  antennas and powered by solar panels."
"It was loaded with cameras and  antennas and powered by solar panels."

China was quick to deny that the balloons  were part of any intelligence operation  
China was quick to deny that the balloons  were part of any intelligence operation  

and mocked American officials for assuming  that they would use such an old technique.  
and mocked American officials for assuming  that they would use such an old technique.  

The situation escalated when one of  the balloons was shot down by American  
The situation escalated when one of  the balloons was shot down by American  

fighter jets. China renewed its protests against  accusations of espionage. According to the BBC,  
fighter jets. China renewed its protests against  accusations of espionage. According to the BBC,  

they claimed that they had verified the balloon's  identity as a weather ship and notified the  
they claimed that they had verified the balloon's  identity as a weather ship and notified the  

American government of its civilian nature. They  even offered an apology, but the U.S. government  
American government of its civilian nature. They  even offered an apology, but the U.S. government  

and military remained convinced the balloon  was a spy craft. A planned visit by Secretary  
and military remained convinced the balloon  was a spy craft. A planned visit by Secretary  

of State Anthony Blinken to try and improve  U.S.-China relations was indefinitely postponed.
of State Anthony Blinken to try and improve  U.S.-China relations was indefinitely postponed.