Regan Brown
The Space Shuttle external tank (ET) was the largest element of the Space Shuttle and contained liquid hydrogen fuel and liquid oxygen oxidizer. The ET was the backbone of the shuttle during launch, providing structural support for attachment with the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) and the orbiter. The SRBs and the orbiter had a secondary, hypergolic fuel (hydrazine) that powered hydraulic systems and provided thrust vectoring. The ET also had electrical umbilicals that carried electrical power from the orbiter to the tank and the SRBs, as well as external cameras and transmitters that continued to send video data after separation. The amount of fuel in the ET varied depending on the configuration, but it typically held around 535,000 gallons (2 million liters) of fuel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the Space Shuttle external tank (ET) | "Backbone" of the shuttle |
| Components | Liquid hydrogen fuel, liquid oxygen oxidizer |
| Weight | Heaviest when loaded |
| Capacity | 629,340 kg (1,387,457 lb) of cryogenic liquid oxygen (LOX) and 106,261 kg (234,265 lb) of cryogenic liquid hydrogen (LH2) |
| Capacity (in gallons) | 535,000 gallons (2.0 million liters) |
| Capacity (in US gallons) | 146,000 US gal (550,000 L) |
| Capacity of Ares I second stage | 26,000 US gal (98,000 L) |
| Burn time | 480 seconds |
| Specific impulse | 455 seconds |
| Thrust at sea level | 5.45 MN |
| Thrust per SRB | 12.5 MN |
| Attachment points | One forward attachment point and one aft bracket to each SRB |
| Electrical connections | Two electrical umbilicals |
| Camera mount locations | Brackets attached to the shuttle |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- The Space Shuttle external tank (ET) contained liquid hydrogen fuel and liquid oxygen oxidizer
- The ET was the largest and heaviest element of the Space Shuttle
- The ET supplied fuel and oxidizer to the three RS-25 main engines
- The ET was jettisoned after main engine cut-off and broke up before re-entering Earth's atmosphere
- The ET had electrical umbilicals that carried power and signals between the tank, the orbiter, and the solid rocket boosters
The Space Shuttle external tank (ET) contained liquid hydrogen fuel and liquid oxygen oxidizer
The Space Shuttle external tank (ET) was an essential component of the Space Shuttle launch vehicle. It contained liquid hydrogen fuel and liquid oxygen oxidizer, which were supplied under pressure to the three RS-25 main engines during lift-off and ascent. The ET was the largest and heaviest element of the Space Shuttle when loaded. It consisted of three major components: the forward liquid oxygen (LOX) tank, the aft liquid hydrogen (LH2) tank, and the interconnecting structure that housed the pressurization and control equipment.
The liquid oxygen (LOX) tank held approximately 146,000 US gallons (550,000 litres) of oxidizer, while the liquid hydrogen (LH2) tank held about 629,340 kg (1,387,457 lb) of fuel. Together, these provided a significant amount of thrust, with a specific impulse of 455 seconds, resulting in 5.45 MN of thrust at sea level. The Super Lightweight Tank (SLWT) was the last and most advanced version of the ET, used with the STS.
The ET played a critical role in providing structural support for the attachment of the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) and the orbiter. It was connected to each SRB and the orbiter through multiple attachment points and bipods, ensuring stability during launch. Additionally, the ET featured electrical umbilicals that carried power, fluids, gases, and electrical signals between the tank, the orbiter, and the SRBs. These umbilicals also facilitated the transmission of video data through mounted cameras, even after the separation of the shuttle and the ET.
Despite its crucial function, the ET was designed to be discarded after use. It was jettisoned just over ten seconds after the main engine cut-off (MECO) and re-entered the Earth's atmosphere, breaking up before impact in the Indian or Pacific Ocean, away from shipping lanes. While there were proposals to reuse the ET, such as in a lunar habitat or as an orbital station, these ideas did not come to fruition. The retirement of the Space Shuttle program in 2011 marked the end of the ET's operational life.
Fuel Tankers: A Dangerous Necessity
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The ET was the largest and heaviest element of the Space Shuttle
The Space Shuttle External Tank (ET) was an integral component of the Space Shuttle launch vehicle. It was the largest and heaviest element of the Space Shuttle, providing structural support and housing the liquid hydrogen fuel and liquid oxygen oxidizer. The ET was the "backbone" of the shuttle during launch, facilitating the attachment of the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) and the orbiter. Its size and weight were critical factors in the shuttle's overall performance and mission success.
The ET consisted of three major components, including the aft liquid hydrogen (LH2) tank, which was the largest part in terms of volume. However, due to liquid hydrogen's very low density, the aft LH2 tank was relatively light compared to the other sections. The ET's total fuel capacity was impressive, holding 629,340 kg (1,387,457 lb) of cryogenic liquid oxygen (LOX) and 106,261 kg (234,265 lb) of cryogenic liquid hydrogen (LH2). These fuel components played a crucial role in providing propulsion and enabling the shuttle to reach orbit.
The external tank's role extended beyond simply storing fuel. It supplied fuel and oxidizer under pressure to the three RS-25 main engines in the orbiter during lift-off and ascent. This process was facilitated by electrical umbilicals that carried electrical power and enabled the exchange of information between the ET, the orbiter, and the SRBs. The ET also featured external cameras and transmitters that continued to send video data even after the ET separated from the shuttle.
Despite its crucial role, the ET was designed to be discarded after each mission. Unlike the Solid Rocket Boosters, the external tanks were not reused. They broke up upon re-entering the Earth's atmosphere, carefully planned to occur over the Indian Ocean or the Pacific Ocean, away from shipping lanes. While proposals were made to reuse the ET, such as in a lunar habitat or as an orbital station, these ideas did not come to fruition.
The ET's significance in the Space Shuttle program cannot be overstated. Its sheer size and weight, combined with its functionality, made it a vital component in enabling the Space Shuttle to achieve its mission objectives. The ET's role in providing structural support, housing a substantial amount of fuel, and facilitating the necessary connections between the various components of the Space Shuttle underscores its importance in the overall success of each launch and mission.
Dropping Fuel Tank on PT Cruiser: Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The ET supplied fuel and oxidizer to the three RS-25 main engines
The Space Shuttle External Tank (ET) was an essential component of the Space Shuttle launch vehicle, supplying fuel and oxidizer to the three RS-25 main engines. It was the largest and heaviest element of the Space Shuttle when loaded. The ET played a critical role in providing structural support for the attachment of the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) and the orbiter. This backbone function was facilitated by a network of attachment points and umbilicals that carried fluids, gases, electrical signals, and power between the tank and the orbiter.
The ET contained liquid hydrogen fuel and liquid oxygen oxidizer, which were supplied under pressure to the RS-25 engines during lift-off and ascent. The liquid hydrogen was stored in the aft liquid hydrogen (LH2) tank, the largest part of the ET, while the liquid oxygen oxidizer was stored in a separate section. Together, these propellants provided the necessary thrust and burn time for the Space Shuttle to reach orbit.
The external tank came in three different configurations, with varying capacities. The standard external tank held approximately 146,000 US gallons (550,000 litres) of liquid oxygen oxidizer, while the Super Lightweight Tank (SLWT), the most advanced version, held 629,340 kg (1,387,457 lb) of liquid oxygen and 106,261 kg (234,265 lb) of liquid hydrogen. These propellants provided a burn time of 480 seconds with a specific impulse of 455 seconds, resulting in 5.45 MN of thrust at sea level.
Despite its crucial role, the ET was jettisoned just over 10 seconds after the main engine cut-off and broke up upon re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere. Unlike the Solid Rocket Boosters, the ET was not reusable. However, there were proposals to reuse them in orbit, such as for a lunar habitat or as an orbital station, but these plans did not materialise. The ET played a vital but brief role in the Space Shuttle's journey into space, providing the necessary fuel and oxidizer to power the RS-25 main engines during the critical lift-off and ascent phases.
Draining the Isuzu D-Max Fuel Tank: Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The ET was jettisoned after main engine cut-off and broke up before re-entering Earth's atmosphere
The Space Shuttle External Tank (ET) was an important component of the Space Shuttle launch vehicle. It contained liquid hydrogen fuel and liquid oxygen oxidizer, which were supplied under pressure to the three RS-25 main engines during lift-off and ascent. The ET was not just a fuel reservoir, but also served as the "backbone" of the shuttle during launch, providing structural support for attachment with the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) and the orbiter. The tank was connected to the SRBs and the orbiter through multiple attachment points and umbilicals, which facilitated the transfer of fluids, gases, electrical signals, and power.
The ET was jettisoned just over 10 seconds after the main engine cut-off (MECO) and it re-entered the Earth's atmosphere. Unlike the Solid Rocket Boosters, the ETs were not reused and broke up before impact in the Indian Ocean or the Pacific Ocean, away from shipping lanes. While the ET was the largest element of the Space Shuttle, it was designed to be relatively light due to the low density of liquid hydrogen.
The amount of fuel in the ET varied depending on the specific mission and configuration of the tank. The Super Lightweight Tank (SLWT), the last and most advanced version used with STS, had a capacity of 629,340 kg (1,387,457 lb) of liquid oxygen and 106,261 kg (234,265 lb) of liquid hydrogen. This provided 480 seconds of burn time with a specific impulse of 455 seconds, resulting in 5.45 MN of thrust at sea level.
The ET played a critical role in the Space Shuttle's ability to reach orbit. During the lift-off of STS-107 in 2003, an incident involving the ET's insulation resulted in the destruction of the Space Shuttle Columbia. This highlighted the crucial nature of the ET's function and the potential consequences of any malfunctions during launch.
The ET's design and capabilities inspired proposals for its reuse in orbit, such as serving as a lunar habitat or an orbital station. While these ideas did not materialize, the ET's technology was intended to be a baseline for future launch vehicles, such as the Ares I and Ares V in NASA's Constellation program.
Creating a Fuel Tank: PVC Edition
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The ET had electrical umbilicals that carried power and signals between the tank, the orbiter, and the solid rocket boosters
The Space Shuttle External Tank (ET) was the component of the Space Shuttle launch vehicle that contained the liquid hydrogen fuel and liquid oxygen oxidizer. The ET was the largest and heaviest element of the Space Shuttle when loaded. It was the "backbone" of the shuttle during launch, providing structural support for attachment with the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) and the orbiter. The ET had two electrical umbilicals that carried electrical power and signals between the tank, the orbiter, and the solid rocket boosters.
Umbilicals are connectors that allow the flow of liquids, gases, electrical power, and signals to the spacecraft. They are typically detached from the spacecraft at or before launch to allow the craft to move freely. In the case of the Space Shuttle ET, the umbilicals were used to transfer electrical power from the orbiter to the tank and the SRBs, and they also provided information from the SRBs and ET to the orbiter.
The ET was connected to the orbiter at two umbilical plates, which contained five propellant and two electrical umbilicals, as well as forward and aft structural attachments. The orbiter retracted its umbilical plates at the time of separation, and the umbilical cords were sealed to prevent excess propellant from venting into the orbiter vehicle.
The ET also had external cameras mounted in brackets attached to the shuttle, along with transmitters that could continue to send video data long after the shuttle and the ET had separated. These cameras and transmitters provided valuable data and visuals during the launch and ascent phases of the mission.
Overall, the ET played a critical role in the Space Shuttle system, providing fuel, structural support, and electrical connections between the various components of the spacecraft. The electrical umbilicals were an important part of this system, ensuring the flow of power and information between the tank, the orbiter, and the solid rocket boosters.
Draining the BMW 320i Fuel Tank: Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The external tank (ET) of a space shuttle contained liquid hydrogen fuel and liquid oxygen oxidizer. The ET held 146,000 US gallons (550,000 liters) of liquid oxygen and 106,261 kg (234,265 lb) of liquid hydrogen.
The ET was the "backbone" of the shuttle during launch, providing structural support and attachment for the Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) and the orbiter. It also supplied fuel and oxidizer to the shuttle's three RS-25 main engines during lift-off and ascent.
No, the external tanks were always discarded after use. They broke up before impacting the Indian or Pacific Ocean, away from shipping lanes. However, there were proposals to reuse them in orbit, such as for a lunar habitat or as rocket fuel tanks for interplanetary missions.
The external tank contained liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. The liquid hydrogen served as the fuel, while the liquid oxygen acted as the oxidizer.
Yes, there were three variants of the external tank, each with slightly different configurations and capacities. The last and most advanced version was the Super Lightweight Tank (SLWT).
