[r9etb]

Wouldn't this have been visible by the astronauts? I would think that the leading edge would have been visually inspected as SOP.

There are no windows that can see it.

Think about looking out an airplane window at something behind, below, and close to the fuselage and you'll get some idea of the difficulty. In addition, the cargo bay doors would have been open, and blocking the view even further.

Best chance would probably have been through the crew hatch window, but I think the angle would be too steep.

[1Old Pro]

I guess you are probably right. It would seem to me that they would want to be able to visually inspect something so critical.

Hugh knew!

[Carry_Okie]

The above might interest you.