[Reading Science] "US Too Sensitive on 'Balloon Response'" Scientists Unimpressed

Nature "Widely Used for Scientific Research and Commercial Purposes"
Private Balloon Companies and Nonprofit Organizations Express 'Skeptical Reactions'

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] Amid the 'balloon war' between the United States and China, the international scientific community has raised concerns that the U.S. response, including additional shootdowns of high-altitude balloons commonly launched for research purposes, may have been premature or overly sensitive.

The international academic journal Nature reported on the 16th (local time) about the conflict triggered after the U.S. shot down an object suspected to be a Chinese high-altitude reconnaissance balloon on the 4th using the advanced F-22 fighter jet. Nature first explained that high-altitude balloons can fly much higher than drones or regular airplanes, making them commonly used for ground imaging, weather, and space observation. They are much cheaper than satellites, leading to their active use worldwide. In fact, the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) has recorded that such balloons are launched about twice daily at 900 locations globally.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

For example, weather observation high-altitude balloons measure and transmit temperature, humidity, pressure, and location data. They are disposable and discarded after a single use. Typically made from biodegradable latex, they are about 6 meters in diameter. They ascend vertically to an altitude of 30 km and remain there for several hours to perform their missions. Larger and longer-duration scientific research balloons are also widely used. NASA launches 10 to 15 scientific research balloons annually from the Wallops Flight Facility to various parts of the world. These balloons, larger than a soccer stadium, carry about 3 tons of equipment and reach altitudes of up to 37 km.

In addition, many balloons are launched by students, private companies, and amateur enthusiasts. Jason Krueger, CEO of the private company Stratostar, told Nature, "Since 2006, we have helped schools and private companies launch over 1,000 high-altitude balloons annually," adding, "Research has included studies on whether the adhesive on Post-it notes remains sticky at very high altitudes and the effects of radiation on blood samples." Some companies even launch silver balloons about 1 meter in size that reflect radio waves well at around 12 km altitude to provide remote wireless internet services. U.S. regulations are also lax. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not require tracking or reporting for balloons carrying equipment weighing 5.4 kg or less.

As a result, opinions have emerged that the U.S. government reacted too sensitively. Krueger pointed out, "If there are legitimate concerns about small balloons coming from other countries, their identity should be verified," but added, "The U.S. government should be more adept at assessing whether they pose a threat." Robert Lord of Berkeley Earth, a nonprofit environmental organization in Zurich, Switzerland, also said, "Countless balloons are launched daily for research, business, and hobby activities," and expressed suspicion that the balloons shot down by the U.S. might fall into this category.

Meanwhile, the object presumed to be a Chinese reconnaissance balloon shot down by the U.S. over the South Carolina coast on the 4th was 60 meters tall and carried 1 ton of equipment. The U.S. State Department stated that this equipment was used for long-distance communication surveillance, but China explained it was for civilian weather research. The three additional balloons shot down later by the U.S. government were smaller, and detailed information has not been disclosed. Although the U.S. government initially cited "risk factors" at the time of the shootdowns, it has recently changed its stance, suggesting that the balloons were likely used for commercial and benign purposes.