"James Oberg" wrote:
"Reed Snellenberger"
Are they actually talking about leaving the umbilical doors open for an
extended period during the flight? They're normally closed fairly soon
after ET sep right now, I think.

You're right, of course. My rec would be leave the doors open a day or two
to see what shakes loose.

Ouch... I totally disagree. I would rather come up with some *other*
solution than not closing these potential "plasma entry points" ASAP!!!!

From what I recall, these are closed very soon after ET sep to make sure
that the Orbiter is in a good "come back home" config underneath. I
wouldn't want to risk that for photography purposes past the ET photos.

There have to be other ways...

Roger
--
Roger Balettie
former Flight Dynamics Officer
Space Shuttle Mission Control
http://www.balettie.com/