Would it be enough to 'catch' on something, say an improperly sealed section in the landing gear system, and cause it to heat up or divert the path of the shuttle while it was turning?
Would it be enough to 'catch' on something, say an improperly sealed section in the landing gear system, and cause it to heat up or divert the path of the shuttle while it was turning?
Dunno the specifics. However, as the speed of the shuttle is high enough to use the control surfaces even at that altitude, I'd have to also believe that there is enough to snap off pieces like the "fall-off" tiles or a landing gear door. The most-likely effect of that, because tiles do fall off, is to increase heating rather than create an assymetrical drag.