a F-22 fired a missile at it so it could just be some reaction of the missile and the balloon material and any electronics. Alternately, since the atmospheric pressure is so low as is the temperature up where that was floating, then it's possible if any ice had accumulated on the balloon or truss or panels or was suspended in the air around it, a missile would have vaporized the water crystals and any other substances with a boiling point below or around the temperature generated from the missile strike, causing a (visible) cloud and/or contrail (condensation in the cold air) of gas.
Air Force says a sidewinder was fired at it - https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3288579/f-22-safely-shoots-down-chinese-spy-balloon-off-south-carolina-coast/
Published Feb. 4, 2023
By Jim Garamone
DOD News
(snip)
The military official gave some detail about the engagement. The F-22 fired the Sidewinder at the balloon from an altitude of 58,000 feet. The balloon at the time was between 60,000 and 65,000 feet.
F-15 Eagles flying from Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, supported the F-22, as did tankers from multiple states, including Oregon, Montana, South Carolina and North Carolina. Canadian forces also helped track the overflight of the balloon.
The Navy has deployed the destroyer USS Oscar Austin, the cruiser USS Philippine Sea and the USS Carter Hall, an amphibious landing ship in support of the effort.
(snip)
This is a pic of an Aim-9 sidewinder -
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