What happens to it once it leaves the space shuttle after entering space?
2007-03-20 05:34:03 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
the External Tank (ET) is the only part of the space shuttle that is NOT reused. after it is jettisoned (about 8.5 mins into the flight), the ET falls back through the atmosphere, burns up somewhat and falls into the ocean where it is not recovered and re used, like the solid rocket boosters are.
hope this answers the question
zahbudar is confusing the solid rocket boosters, which are reused with the External tank
Corey
2007-03-20 06:50:49 · answer #1 · answered by mcdonaldcj 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's jettisoned (thrown out) after the space shuttle reaches a certain altitude. It's designed to burn up in the atmosphere, and it does, for the most part.
The problem with the external fuel tank is that some of it is positioned above the orbiter (space shuttle), and foam has been falling off and striking the craft.
Kudos to NASA for positioning it below the upcoming Crew Expeditionary Vehicle (CEV.) To infinity, and beyond!
Some new ideas could have helped a little bit, but hey, we're dealing with a conservative administration. At least they realize the potential of human spaceflight.
2007-03-20 12:45:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
The external fuel tank re-enters the atmosphere and breaks up on re-entry.
zahbudar is confusing the solid fuel boosters with the external fuel tank. The external fuel tank provides fuel to the shuttles engines during launch. The solid fuel rockets are strapped to the main fuel tank and provide extra boost to supplement the shuttle's engines. The solid fuel rockets are released as soon as they have burnt up all of their fuel and those are recovered via parachute.
2007-03-20 13:39:31 · answer #3 · answered by Bob G 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The external tank is jettisoned by the Shuttle and falls back into the atmosphere, where it burns up.
2007-03-20 14:24:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The tank re-enters the atmosphere and burns up. The rocket boosters parachute down to earth and are recovered.
2007-03-20 13:52:33 · answer #5 · answered by xooxcable 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello Constrant - Cute Pic:
External Tanks are blasted away from the main rocket assembly when the fuel within is exhausted. Then they fall back to the Earth. As they descend toward the ground, barometric sensors detect the height above the ground, and at the proper altitude parachutes are deployed to slow the descent of the external tanks. That way, the tanks have a soft landing and may be recovered later for reuse. Land based and naval radars track the descent of the external tanks so that searchers know where to look for them.
Regards,
Zah
2007-03-20 12:42:49 · answer #6 · answered by zahbudar 6 · 2⤊ 4⤋
The external tank is going about 13,000 mph when it cuts loose, and hits the atmosphere at that speed. It's reduced to charcoal and aluminum vapor.
2007-03-20 12:49:57 · answer #7 · answered by Nomadd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It breaks up upon reentry
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Shuttle_external_tank#Future_use
2007-03-20 12:38:35 · answer #8 · answered by Gene 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋