I suppose it might be possible to take many pics while the craft moves? That'll give you some info on depth. The craft was a lot smaller and closer than the moon. This assertion that these military picture-takers can't deliver is bogus.
NASA said they have tried it in the past. I will have to take their word that the pics would not have given them the needed detail.
Secondly, the shuttle was coming down anyway. It really is a moot point, but they do need to establish a contingency plan for future flight. On this we agree.
Robot cams would be a possibility and the ability to do temporary patches in space is required.