[GregoryFul]

So, howcome the shuttle does not have a detection system to alert the crew if the skin of the orbiter has been breached?

[bonesmccoy]

exactly what would you propose as a "detection system"???

[computermechanic]

Actually I had proposed a few small CCD cameras mounted inside the wing could "watch" the leading edge or other critical areas & report back any anomalies:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/835531/posts?page=3371#3371