Persistance.

This is coolbert:

“When sorrows come, they come not single spies, but in battalions” - Shakespeare.

And evidently so too the Chinese intruder bandit pirate-in-the-sky intelligence/surveillance/reconnaissance balloons.

"REVEALED: China's secret spy balloon base is located on remote and heavily militarized island - as Beijing officials 'refuse to speak to US defense secretary after balloon was downed'"

By PAUL FARRELL and HARRIET ALEXANDER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM | 8 February 2023. 

* "The Chinese spy balloon shot down over US airspace was one of 'dozens" * "The balloons are a 'massive part' of China's elaborate espionage programs" * "Chinese officials have not spoken to US counterparts since the destruction"

Courtesy this graphic the Mail and thanks to same.

"Speaking about the advantages of using a balloon for spying reasons rather than more sophisticated technology, retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Charlie 'Tuna' Moore said: 'If you have a balloon that’s moving extremely slowly you have persistence that you can’t get from a satellite.'"

"US officials have said the balloon was equipped with rudders and propellers."

Then it is I had speculated! These balloons can be steered and course-correction made remotely while in flight.

Balloons also slow movers and usually FILTERED by advanced American military radars? Perceived as not a concern or threat?

coolbert.