[17th Miss Regt]

Speculation here, but here is my guess. The instrument package had an accelerometer tied to self destruct mechanisms on all critical portions of the package. Once the desired information is downloaded the balloon is sent a command arming the self destruct devices. If the accelerometer then measures too great a downward speed, the self destruct charges are detonated. The important parts of the package are destroyed and security is maintained.

So it might not matter where it was brought down. We may just recover some junk.

[353FMG]

Too romantic and too complicated. Just send a signal to detonate the sob when required intelligence has been received. Why wait till the sob descends? Just do it and raise the middle finger to America.