[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.