B. Major Pieces Partial disassembly of the ET is a relatively simple repetitive operation (25). The major operation is the removal of the bolts that connect the Oxygen tank to the Intertank and the Intertank to the Hydrogen tank. Once taken apart, the interiors of the oxygen tank and the intertank sections become far more accessable for future use. The intertank also carries an extremely strong compression member called the SRB Beam which can be removed for use on-orbit. The tank domes can also be removed from the respective tanks for use as reflectors, hatch covers, antennas, or similar items. C. Minor Pieces In addition to the major parts mentioned above, there are several minor parts which can be removed for orbital use (63). There is the SRB and Orbiter attach hardware. These are large strong parts carried on the SRB Beam and the aft end of the ET. This attach hardware can be removed and used as attach hardware for other constructs in orbit. Another type of part is the feedline. The feedlines are insulated, inspected, and tested 17 inch diameter lines which can be used in other ways on a space station when removed. There are electrical lines, electrical connections, sensors, minor hardware, and range safety devices also mounted on the tank for use during launch. All of these can be removed and utilized in a properly designed space operation (25). II. Large Rigid Constructs The partially disassembled ET sections can be reassembled into extremely rigid structures of almost any size. Taylor has proposed a rigid torus constructed out of the ET and segments carried aloft as part of an ACC (82). The concept is to partially disassemble the ET and reconnect the hydrogen tank sections into an eight sided torus which would be spun for artificial gravity. The angled sections are either cut from intertank sections or carried aloft as ACC payloads. The torus is about 300 feet in diameter and can house up to 200 people comfortably. This torus concept was proposed as the basis for a manned mission to Mars (82). The ship was constructed out of ET hydrogen tanks, fueled, and launched out of earth orbit with the help of the OTVs. The tanks were to be used on
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