Space Shuttle Endeavour's Nicked-and-Dinged Belly (Large Image)

Link

Well as you can see there are quite a number of nicks on there - most of them look quite minor, but to me a few do seem a little deeper - mind you I don't think it's much to worry about, they would not or released the picture if there was would they?

Edit: Here is a cropped version showing what I think is the worst of it...

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/f27d98df40ce.jpg[/atsimg]

[edit on 19/7/2009 by Now_Then]

That picture is pretty alarming. I mean they likely aren't too serious or they'd have the astronauts out there doing some work on them, but man... is our space program aging...

I think this is more of a snapshot of a larger problem; the issue of funding.

We really need to get the new fleet of shuttles out and have to start pouring money into NASA. Our future in space is in the balance, and it seems to be tipping to the side.

Originally posted by JipStix
I think this is more of a snapshot of a larger problem; the issue of funding.

Well they replace and inspect all the tiles for each launch, and they have pretty much been using the same tile technology from the beginning (i think)... It's only know we get these detailed pictures because of the Columbia disaster. I can't see them skimping on the funding in the area of the tiles, not at this late stage in the day anyway.

Do they know what actually hit the shuttle yet? More insulation?