[nixon_why69]

I mean, the entire concept of "spy balloon over the continental US in the 21st century" could be considered a litmus test for critical thinking.

A country with satellites is running a Wile E. Coyote tier balloon plot?

[throw10920]

Yes, and if you think it's not feasible, you failed the critical thinking test. Balloons have the ability to observe signals that satellites do not. It's that simple.

[nixon_why69]

While being incredibly obvious and easy (and justified) to shoot down, as we saw.

But enlighten me. What critical signals intelligence was that balloon getting?