U.S. tracking balloon of unknown origin over American airspace | 23 Feb 2024 | 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 traveling 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: "In 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.