US release close-up image of China spy balloon day before it was shot down by fighter jet

T he US defence department has released a close-up image of the Chinese spy balloon complete with recon sensors and solar panels as it hovered over the American mainland. A U-2 pilot is pictured flying high above the the large white orb, which sparked international controversy, just a day before the Air Force shot it down over the Atlantic Ocean. The photo shows the top of the pilot's helmet inside the U-2 cockpit with the white fabric balloon carrying reconnaissance sensors, antennae, and solar power panels flying below. The equipment it was carrying was described as being equal in length…