The external tank (ET) has been actively involved in performance improvements since the inception of the space shuttle program, primarily by weight savings. Weight savings were realized on the first block of flight articles (standard weight tank). With a need for further performance improvements, the ET Program Office was requested to develop a program to reduce tank weight an additional 6000 lb and schedule delivery of the first lightweight ET (LWT) for June 1982. The weight savings program was accomplished by: (1) a unique approach to use of factors of safety; (2) design optimization; and (3) redesign of structures with large margins of safety which resulted in an actual weight savings of 7294 lb. Additional studies have identified further weight savings which are to be implemented at appropriate times in production flow. Examples are an improved thermal protection system for the LH2 tank aft dome and reduction of slosh baffles in the LO2 tank based on flight data. All performance improvements were compared and selected based on non-recurring and recurring cost and technical risk.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Space shuttle external tank performance improvements: The challenge


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    1985-01-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    Space shuttle external tank performance enhancemnets

    Corbin, Jeffrey M. / Spring, Rick W. | TIBKAT | 1996


    Space Shuttle External Tank.

    Zoller, L. K. | NTRS | 1973




    Lightning protection design external tank (space shuttle)

    Anderson, A. / Mumme, E. | Tema Archive | 1979