Center for Defense Concepts and Technology

(Screenshot via BBC)

Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 conduct pre-dive checks during recovery efforts of a high-altitude balloon in the Atlantic Ocean on February 7, 2023. (US Navy photo by Ryan Seelbach)

(Screenshot via NewsNation)

A search helicopter of the Alaska Air National Guard flies over Anchorage, Alaska, on February 7, 2023. (Alaska National Guard photo by Dana Rosso)

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket launches from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on August 4, 2022. (US Space Force photo by Dakota Raub)

Sailors assigned to Assault Craft Unit 4 prepare material recovered in the Atlantic Ocean from a high-altitude balloon for transport to federal agents at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek on February 10, 2023. (US Navy photo by Ryan Seelbach)

(Screenshot via Fox News)

Sailors assigned to Assault Craft Unit Four operate landing craft air cushions during recovery efforts of a high-altitude balloon in the Atlantic Ocean, on February 8, 2023. (US Navy Photo by Ryan Seelbach)

A sailor assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 conducts a search for debris with an underwater vehicle during recovery efforts of a high-altitude balloon in the Atlantic Ocean on February 7, 2023. (US Navy Photo by Ryan Seelbach)

(Screenshot via Government Matters/YouTube)

Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 recover the Chinese surveillance balloon that flew over the continental US in the Atlantic Ocean on January 5, 2023. (US Navy Photo by Tyler Thompson)