If we can launch wildly complex space hardware to look into the deepest regions of the universe we can bring down a balloon without the IronEagle dog fighter theatrics. You have to admit this came across like some old-timey George Creel propaganda.
We've plenty of reason to develop the technology for space flight.
We've essentially zero reason to develop the technology to hijack a high-altitude helium ballooon. As clearly demonstrated, much easier techniques already exist.
It has a much larger payload than weather balloons.
> If it is a spy balloon why not take it down gently and look at its payload?
That's what they did. Controlled shootdown over shallow water; they're collecting the parts now.
> Did the balloon got on top of a military base by chance or was it directed? How was it directed from so far away if the balloon has no propellers?
The Pentagon says it maneuvers. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/chinese-spy-ballo... Might be small propellers (think drone props) within that truss structure.