US Space Command Says Unidentified Aerial Objects Outside Its ‘Astrographic Area of Responsibility’

Gen. James Dickinson, commander of U.S. Space Command, testifies during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing in Washington on March 8, 2022. Drew Angerer/Getty Images

The U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) explained why it has not been at the forefront of dealing with the Chinese spy balloon, and other unidentified flying objects shot down in North American airspace recently.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and United States Northern Command (NORTHCOM), both headed by Gen. Glen D. VanHerck, have been leading the effort to share information about the objects, since the balloon was shot down off the South Carolina Coast on Feb. 4.