Chinese spy balloon’s solar panels could power sophisticated radar, Washington Post reports

The Washington Post claimed on Saturday, using secret U.S. intelligence documents, that a Chinese spy balloon shot down by the U.S. in February carried solar panels that could power a radar that can see through clouds and at night.

The Post reported that Jack Teixeira, a Massachusetts Air National Guard member, leaked an NGA document detailing the balloon’s monitoring capabilities to a Discord chatroom.

On Friday, Boston charged 21-year-old Teixeira with copying and transmitting confidential material.

In January and February, the balloon soared over the U.S., upsetting Washington and damaging U.S.-China relations. A U.S. Air Force jet missile downed it off South Carolina on February 4.

The Post reported that the NGA study stated that the balloon could generate 10,000 watts of solar electricity, enough to run a synthetic aperture radar surveillance system.

The publication said that radar can show items beneath clouds and thin coverings like tarps at night.

The Post reported that the balloon contained a 1.2-meter parabolic dish, many unidentified sensors, and a probable tower antenna.

Reuters requested a response from the Pentagon.