The world was confused, bemused and downright confounded when a giant balloon was spotted soaring over the continental US on a path that took it across the country (and over a number of military installations) before it was brought down with a sidewinder missile. Turns out this isn't new as balloons have had a proud history of use by military and intelligence organisations around the world. So was it a weather balloon as the Chinese claim, or an intelligence platform as the US believe? What advantages do balloons have in reconnaissance? And just how important is Helium to national security? Lots to ponder when decorating your child's next birthday party after this weeks ep!

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