Spies like Us

[Babagounj]

Hobby Club’s Missing Balloon Feared Shot Down By USAF | Aviation Week Network

Although the club is not pointing fingers, there are suspicions among other prominent members of the small, pico-ballooning enthusiasts community.

aviationweek.com

“A small, globe-trotting balloon declared “missing in action” by an Illinois-based hobbyist club on Feb. 15 has emerged as a candidate to explain one of the three mystery objects shot down by four heat-seeking missiles launched by U.S. Air Force fighters since Feb. 10.”

It's been speculated the hobby group could have used the balloon pictured above, which can be bought for under $15.00

 

[Babagounj]

Ted Cruz wrote on Twitter: 'To be fair, Biden is providing is powerful deterrence for any high school science clubs that might try to invade America….' Former Republican congressman and Army reservist Peter Meijer added: 'RIP to the Northern Illinois Bottlecap Balloon Brigade's ~$80 ham radio transmitter balloon, likely the victim of friendly fire by a $143,000,000 USAF friend-22 firing a $485,000 AIM-9X Sidewinder missile during the Great Balloon Panic of 2023.'

 

[Babagounj]

 

[oldngray]

 

[newolddude]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1626340250543919104

“The bill, introduced by state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, also covers citizens and entities of North Korea, Iran and Russia. It doesn’t delineate any exceptions for legal permanent residents, visa holders or dual citizens.“