| Liquid Oxygen
Tank
The liquid oxygen tank is
an aluminum monocoque structure composed of a fusion-welded assembly
of preformed, chem-milled gores, panels, machined fittings and ring
chords. It operates in a pressure range of 20 to 22 psig. The tank
contains anti-slosh and anti-vortex provisions to minimize liquid
residuals and damp fluid motion. The tank feeds into a 17-inch-
diameter feed line that conveys the liquid oxygen through the intertank,
then outside the ET to the aft right-hand ET / orbiter disconnect
umbilical. The 17-inch-diameter feed line permits liquid oxygen
to flow at approximately 2,787 pounds per second with the SSMEs
operating at 104 percent or permits a maximum flow of 17,592 gallons
per minute. The liquid oxygen tank's double-wedge nose cone reduces
drag and heating, contains the vehicle's ascent air data system
(for nine tanks only) and serves as a lightning rod. The liquid
oxygen tank's volume is 19,563 cubic feet. It is 331 inches in diameter,
592 inches long and weighs 12,000 pounds empty.
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