[XBob]

In fact, wirestripper, I peronally estimate a hit on the inside (closest to the main body) of the left door, about 2-3 feet from the leading edge of the door.

[snopercod]

To bring up something totally new, realize that as the orbiter ascends, the gasses contained within the wings, wheel wells, payload bay, OMS pods, etc. must be vented outside.

There are (IIRC) 14 vent doors along the sides of the orbiter to accomplish that task. Frankly I never knew via what path the air in the wings and wheel wells got vented. I assume into the midbody then out the vent doors.

If the vent path for the LMG wheel well got plugged, I'm guessing it might blow out the bulb seal around the door perimeter.

At least we FReepers are ON THE PROBLEM!

[Budge]

I peronally estimate a hit on the inside (closest to the main body) of the left door, about 2-3 feet from the leading edge of the door.

Y'all are getting way over my head now. But I do have a question. We all know about losing tiles on lift-off and re-enter is a common occurrence. I must assume that these lost tiles have always been in non-critical places. But what would happen if the debris hit at the wheelwell door edge?

NASA is saying a possible 7" X 30" (?) strip. If that 'strip' were exactly on either side of the wheel door, could enough heat be transferred through the door gasket to start the trouble?

Rats! Have to leave for work.