[Animats]

> This is the only picture of the balloon fully intact that exists.

There are almost certainly much better pictures. This is just the pilot's selfie. The U-2 is built to take pictures. USAF: "The U-2 is capable of gathering a variety of imagery, including multi-spectral electro-optic, infrared, and synthetic aperture radar products which can be stored or sent to ground exploitation centers. In addition, it also supports high-resolution, broad-area synoptic coverage provided by the optical bar camera producing traditional film products which are developed and analyzed after landing. The U-2 also carries a signals intelligence payload."

[hotpotamus]

I doubt a U-2 camera could focus on another plane; I'd assume it's quite specialized for ground observation.

[travisjungroth]

It has a replaceable pod for a variety of equipment. They’ve been flying these for 67 years. I’d bet pretty strongly they were prepared.

[libertyhouse]

This looks like it was the two seat trainer version of the U-2 which doesn't carry mission equipment like the SYERS sensor or a data-link.

[travisjungroth]

I didn't know that. Shit, maybe they did just grab a Canon and go up there.

[patapong]

Would they really send a U-2 plane to pass by the balloon just to take a selfie?

[BuyMyBitcoins]

Just to take a selfie? The cynic in me thinks the DoD would totally value a photo-op enough to do this.

I’m not a jingoistic person but even I felt a tinge of awe and American pride when I saw the photo. The U2 is cool, and this photo depicts the US as in control of the situation in a way that we didn’t feel when this thing was in the news.