U.S. tracking balloon of unknown origin over American airspace

U.S. authorities are currently tracking a high-altitude balloon of unknown origin and purpose over American airspace.

The balloon was over Colorado earlier in the day and is travelling east, CBS reported, citing "[s]ources familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity." 

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) confirmed in a statement that "[i]n close coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) detected a small balloon at an altitude varying between 43,000-45,000 ft."

"The balloon was intercepted by NORAD fighters over Utah, who determined it was not maneuverable and did not present a threat to national security," the statement continued. "NORAD will continue to track and monitor the balloon. The FAA also determined the balloon posed no hazard to flight safety. NORAD remains in close coordination with the FAA to ensure flight safety."

Last year, a Chinese spy balloon attracted headlines as it made its way across the United States before being shot down off the coast of the Carolinas. The Pentagon has denied that the balloon transmitted sensitive data to China.

In December of last year, the Biden administration denied claims it had sought to conceal the balloon's flight.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.