text: In reply to message75791: AND, if you watch the video, the missile strike was at/or just above the connection of the 'instrument package'! The 'package' plummeted like a rock and the balloon floated down like a parachute. From 60K feet, the package will be in microscopic splinters, but the balloon will be mostly intact material. Shoot the top of the balloon and (maybe) the package would/could be recoverable!!!