Shuttle launches frequently suffered last minute delays due to anything from weather to mechanical or electrical issues. Pad to orbit took about eight minutes, maybe half of which would be in a viable position for a photograph like this. The free falling portion of a skydive lasts anywhere from 30 seconds to about 4 minutes. I count seven people in the ring. Getting eight people out of a plane and into position for a launch that may or may not happen would be fairly tricky. If they waited until they saw the shuttle to start, they would never get into position in time; they have to time their jump according to the scheduled launch time. Even a five minute delay in the countdown would put them out of position to make the shot.