According to Newsweek's sources, a 75-page military analysis, which is based on parts collected from the 2023 balloon and two others, reportedly shows that the balloon contained technology that allowed it to conduct surveys, take photographs, and to collect intelligence data, including a satellite communications module, sensors, and other technology from at least five different U.S.-based companies.
Sources told Newsweek that the balloon may have also contained gliders that could be used for the gathering of more detailed data, but noted that the balloon's storage bays were empty when it was found after being shot down.