How Former Astronaut And VP Contender Mark Kelly Started A Spy Balloon Company Funded By China

Before becoming a senator, Mark Kelly co-founded a company called World View, which started with space tourism but shifted to using high-tech balloons for surveillance, including for the U.S. Department of Defense. Interestingly, the company received early funding from Tencent, a major Chinese corporation with ties to the Chinese Communist Party. This connection raises eyebrows, especially as Kelly is considered a potential vice-presidential pick for Kamala Harris. Amid rising U.S.-China tensions over surveillance, Kelly's involvement with World View, now secured in a blind trust, adds a twist to his political journey.

Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., was not only an astronaut before he was elected to the Senate, but he also co-founded a spy balloon firm that received funding from a Chinese venture financier who had close ties to the Chinese Communist Party.

Kelly, who is supposedly among Vice President Kamala Harris's short list of potential running mates, co-founded Tucson, Arizona-ba...

Limited Time

Full Access

$10
Monthly

Included:

  • Access to All Articles.
  • One Plan. No Tiers.
  • No Ads.
  • Cancel anytime.
register now

 
Do you have a tip or sensitive material to share with GGI? Are you a journalist, researcher or independent blogger and want to write for us? You can reach us at [email protected].