planned. The exterior of the tank can be used as the structural base for large antenna arrays. The tank itself can also be used to study the interaction of plasmas with bodies in orbit. The two tanks of the ET can be used to perform biological and life science experiments in space. The large volume of each tank can be used to perform experiments in farming, genetics, and waste management. The large size is advantageous because it provides significant biological inertia. This means that in the event of a problem, the biological system can be changed before the entire system dies. Farming becomes possible in the large volume available. Cost savings here are based on the launch cost of food and consumables produced in space as compared against the cost of launching these consumables. An orbiting ’truck farm* becomes possible. Additional life support advantages are the use of the ET as a passive lifeboat. If ETs are inserted to long lived orbits while pressurized with oxygen or an air mixture, they can be entered and used by a crew in an emergency. The large volume of air can be used for weeks to months for life support without active equipment. Military uses are related to the use of the ET as a cryogenic storage facility, space base, or ’Coast Guard’ type operation in space. ETs can also serve as decoys, battle stations, ’junk* ASATs, and military space stations. The ET/ACC based space station for military purposes is something that would be affordable and attractive to those interested in manned military operations. VII. Conclusions The use of the external tank in the American space program is potentially an enhancement that will have an impact greater than the decision to go to the moon. The reason is that the decision to insert the ET into orbit will make resources available for purchase at a cost far below that of the basic launch cost $2000 per pound. The volume available internally is great. The metals available for use are areospace grade aluminiums. The technical drawings are all in the public domain.
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