> A question I just thought of; were they PLANNING on having the
> thing fall from the sky? Why else would they provide it with
> a heat shield with re-entry?
Yep - It seems they're still using film-return capsules for their
spysats. i.e., point a TV camera down to get a general idea of what
you're looking at, then snap the shutter on your Pentax K-1000 cum
telescope. Once your 24 exposures are done, de-orbit on top of your
friendly neighborhood Foto-mat. Repeat.
They're planning a manned space flight early next century. I shudder.
-- Adam
