[finnman69]

2 more pics that shows the image discussed below has a 'fuselage/rear flab/engine area' that is twice as wide as the actual shuttle. It aint a close up of the shuttle flying sideways.

[r9etb]

I've already noted the distortion effects, especially in width. However, a view from below and behind would give the basic shape shown.

And things have already been breaking off at this point -- perhaps mvpel is correct that the wingtips are already gone.

If the wings are ripped apart, why does the image in the video appear to be flying sideways, level and smooth at Mach 18? It seems to me that if anything came apart at that speed, BAM, the entire orbiter would be ripped to tiny pieces instantly. That's not what this optical illusion shows.

Funny things happen behind a shock wave. And in case you forgot, the Shuttle did break into pieces within a few seconds of when this video was taken.

Now: if you're going to tell us this isn't the Shuttle, you need to explain why recognizable parts of the vehicle are exactly where they ought to be in this optical illusion.

[mvpel]

Of course, this begs the question as to why, if the aerodynamic force was sufficient to strip off the wings, the rudder, and the main engine bells, it would not have been sufficient to align the main body with the airstream like an arrow.

But it does bear a striking resemblance in any case.