How does a spy balloon work and how is it different from a satellite? |

​China has condemned the U.S. military’s decision to shoot down a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon that flew over the U.S. The United States shot down the balloon on Saturday - creating a diplomatic and political storm. The Pentagon says it was a platform for espionage. China warns there may be repercussions, and the balloon was nothing more than a civilian weather balloon blown off-course.

But how likely is it that the balloon the US shot down is a civilian weather balloon? And why would China favor the use of a balloon over that of a satellite. DW spoke to two experts to find out.