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Author
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Topic: Space Shuttle External Tank (ET) artifacts
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SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 06-30-2016 11:03 PM
   
A 2011 thread discussed the career of Ed Kirch, who was principally responsible for fabrication of the external tank composite nose cone. His carbon phenolic nose cones were utilized on the lightweight and subsequently super lightweight ETs. Preceding each of these reduced weight tanks, the ET standard tank incorporated an ablative coated aluminum nose cone. Recently added to the collection is this earlier variant. The nose cone had several functions. During pad ops, LOX tank venting occurred through vent valves and into the "Beanie Cap" (the two ports for this venting are visible in the images below — I also retain and intend to install the vent manifold and vent valve). The aerospike metal tip provided an aerodynamic transition for the ET structure as it punched through the atmosphere and served as a conductor for electric field dissipation to reduce lightning strike hazards during ascent. In addition this version incorporates an altitude ascent sensor (one of the sensor inlet ports are visible in the below image of the aerospike).  
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Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-01-2016 12:55 PM
Congratulations Scott, on the awesome acquisition! I can't imagine there are too many external tank nose cones still in existence. Off-hand, I know of just one, from the lightweight tanks-era, which will be displayed on ET-94 at the California Science Center. |
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-01-2016 01:35 PM
Recovered from Michoud scrap. Could very well be only surviving example of the ablative variant. Tried to avoid "mission creep" and stick with Project Apollo, but have begun to acquire respect for STS engineering starting with of all things the "boring/non-technically interesting" ET which it turns out is anything but (as evidenced by this and other bits and pieces I'll post images of in subsequent threads). |
spacekid2
Member Posts: 199
From: San Diego, CA, USA
Registered: Jul 2004
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posted 07-01-2016 01:43 PM
Scott, thank you for sharing. What I love most about your photo is the Weed Eater on the wall in the background and after all the collecting you still have chores like the rest of us.  Got to love it! |
Philip
Member Posts: 5952
From: Brussels, Belgium
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 07-01-2016 02:29 PM
"Light weight"? What's the diameter and weight of this cap? |
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-01-2016 06:14 PM
58 inch diameter; 43 inch height... weight estimated by lifting around 50 pounds (in existing config - minus relief valve and vent plenum). |
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-03-2016 04:25 PM
More evidence the space shuttle's External Tank is a complex engineering marvel. This liquid hydrogen (LH2) umbilical valve plate assembly (and a similar liquid oxygen (LO2) plate) resided towards the bottom of the ET; each mated to a corresponding plate on the orbiter to flow propellants into the shuttle main engines.Very tempted to remove the covers to image internal architecture but haven't yet pulled that trigger. Separate interfaces for liquid and gaseous hydrogen; specific ID on electrical connectors work in progress as I attempt to run down applicable documentation (undoubtedly some are for engine cut off sensors, vent/relief valve operation).
These shots of outboard side (Orbiter facing):  
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SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-03-2016 04:26 PM
Inboard side: 
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Jurg Bolli
Member Posts: 977
From: Albuquerque, NM
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 07-03-2016 04:26 PM
Very impressive piece of hardware! |
Ken Havekotte
Member Posts: 2913
From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 07-03-2016 04:29 PM
Great ET finds, Scott, which is one of the shuttle hardware items that I have very few of, if hardly any! |
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