A Chinese spy balloon hovers over the United States. What they are used for and why they are making a comeback in espionage.
It’s a story like something out of the Cold War: a Chinese spy balloon has been hovering over the United States for days, clearly visible. There they are now discussing whether the aircraft from China should be shot down. Among other things, the balloon was sighted near an air force base in which also nuclear warheads to store. And in Germany, too, people are discussing how to react to China’s espionage activities.
But what exactly is a spy balloon at all? What is his function? Why the technique has been used since the French Revolution and why it has some advantages over satellites has, read here.
What is a spy balloon? function and technology
A unmanned spy balloon is in most cases equipped with a high-resolution camera to take pictures of military or other infrastructure. It is filled with a gas such as helium, which allows it to operate at an altitude of 24,000 to 37,000 meters. Commercial flights almost never exceed 12,000 meters. Such a balloon therefore poses no danger to air traffic.
The technical equipment of the balloon is through solar surfaces supplied with energy. These can be seen well in pictures of the Chinese spy balloon. The balloon is controlled by an on-board computer, which is often supported by a radar. The computer calculates the winds and uses compressed air to steer the balloon.
Spy Balloons Versus Spy Satellites: A Step Backward?
“Satellites have been essential for the last few decades,” John Blaxland, a professor of international security and intelligence studies, told the British Guardian. But also the technology to defend against spy satellites have improved. Lasers and kinetic weapons could severely disrupt the expensive satellites.
In contrast to satellites, balloons are cheaper and easier to recover. The latter can only be achieved through expensive, hundreds of millions of euros launch pads to be put in position. In addition, a spy balloon has other advantages.
Blaxland adds that while balloons don’t provide permanent surveillance like satellites, they do provide more precise surveillance from a lower altitude Recordings can do. Their low speed also allows them to stay over an area longer. Also read the comment: USA and China – The world does not need a new war
Balloons: a tradition of espionage for 200 years
As early as 1794, during the French Revolutionary Wars, the French army deployed a reconnaissance balloon for the first time. At that time, the aircraft were still manned without any computer technology. Later, too, in the American Civil War and the Franco-Prussian War, they were increasingly used.
In the First World War reached the peak of their importance. Targets could be identified from the air and then fired on by the company’s own artillery. During the Cold War, spy balloons were a means of observing enemy positions and nuclear facilities.
Spy balloon over the USA: A new arms race?
Different Experts | attest the current Chinese spy flight only a minor benefit. It is most likely more of a show of force by the Chinese, as defense and security analyst Michael Clarke explained to Sky News. Read about this: Espionage Provocation – Is War Between the USA and China Imminent?
In future the upper atmosphere however, play an increased military role again. While space has long been contested, a new race begins halfway. For example, the UK Ministry of Defense acquired £100m worth of balloons as recently as August.
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