[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.

[finnman69]

I already detailed above that they are in the wrong places. 'fusellage' is too wide and 'engines' are in the wrong place as well.

[finnman69]

Funny things happen behind a shock wave.

This is the Space Shuttle Columbia, not the Star Ship Enterprise. It does not have neeto gimmicks like deflector shields or inertial dampening fields to allow it to fly sideways at Mach 18.