The ET in orbit as a space system material resource
Abstract
It is suggested that the Space Shuttle External Tank (ET) may after fuel depletion and separation from the Orbiter be considered an orbital source of aluminum, which can be reprocessed in situ and fabricated into useful systems. If this course were followed, transportation cost savings of $9.5 billion would be accumulated by the year 2000. Structural elements which may be manufactured from ET-derived aluminum include such unique products of microgravity processing as thin spherical shells and foamed aluminum. In addition, the ET may be used as the modular basis of space station structures.
- Publication:
-
Paris International Astronautical Federation Congress
- Pub Date:
- September 1982
- Bibcode:
- 1982pari.iafcU....T
- Keywords:
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- Aluminum;
- External Tanks;
- Materials Recovery;
- Space Manufacturing;
- Economic Factors;
- Melting;
- Space Commercialization;
- Space Station Structures;
- Spheres;
- Structural Design;
- Launch Vehicles and Space Vehicles