Author Topic: ET-94: Fate unknown for the last remaining External Tank at MAF (Read 6214 times)

Chris Bergin · « **on:** 09/28/2012 02:27 am »

We don't really have an ET section on the open forum, so posting in here in case it does get used for SLS as part of the MPTA etc.

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/09/et-94-fate-unknown-last-remaining-external-tank-maf/

RocketmanUS · « **Reply #1 on:** 09/28/2012 02:47 am »

Nice info.

It would be good to see the ET-94 on display in New Orleans, LA. A well traveled tourist area.

Would it be possible for them to set the tank in a way that people could walk through the tank on a walkway to see the inside up close?

Set up an area to show the history of the area that it supported space flight and other history of space flight. Could be a good museum park for the area.

Been a long time since I flown into New Orleans. Had to circle for around an hour before landing do to fog.

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #2 on:** 09/28/2012 03:07 am »

Speaking of it, I'm more interested in its history: IIRC, it was completed in September 2002 (BTW, anyone still got the ET flight history booklet from Lockheed Martin? It was removed from the company's website). By then there were no non-ISS/Hubble flights scheduled (the only occasions a LWT would have been used) anymore. So which mission was it built for?

Helodriver · « **Reply #3 on:** 09/28/2012 03:59 am »

A possible candidate for display with Endeavour in its future vertical configuration at the California Science Center. Work would be required to modifiy it to withstand potential earthquake loads and loads associated with supporting the shuttle in perpetuity.

Transport to the display site may be the long pole in the tent.

Ben the Space Brit · « **Reply #4 on:** 09/28/2012 09:15 am »

Quote from: RocketmanUS on 09/28/2012 02:47 am

It would be good to see the ET-94 on display in New Orleans, LA. A well traveled tourist area.

Heck no! Erect it with two fake RSRMs and either one of the orbiters or maybe the mock-up (Pathfinder?) at the KSC spaceflight museum next to the Saturn V display. The shuttles have earned it!

Crispy · « **Reply #5 on:** 09/28/2012 10:00 am »

Are there no surviving genuine boosters then?

Ben the Space Brit · « **Reply #6 on:** 09/28/2012 10:11 am »

Quote from: Crispy on 09/28/2012 10:00 am

Are there no surviving genuine boosters then?

I'm sure there are plenty of empty casings but they would be indistinguishable... actually likely identical to... the mock-ups. Actual loaded boosters...? You wouldn't want to be around them. Even with the ignition system removed, the fuel sheds toxic dust as it crumbles over time.

AnalogMan · « **Reply #7 on:** 09/28/2012 11:52 am »

This is a recent photo of ET-94 while it was still vertical. It was taken on August 2, 2012 (folks from NASA Office of Management and Budget in foreground). Missing feedlines & foam areas clearly evident.

(click to enlarge)

MarkM · « **Reply #8 on:** 09/28/2012 03:13 pm »

Could the SLS program use the tank to help design the the aft skirt/engine mounts?

RocketmanUS · « **Reply #9 on:** 09/28/2012 07:56 pm »

Quote from: Ben the Space Brit on 09/28/2012 09:15 am

Quote from: RocketmanUS on 09/28/2012 02:47 am
It would be good to see the ET-94 on display in New Orleans, LA. A well traveled tourist area.

Heck no! Erect it with two fake RSRMs and either one of the orbiters or maybe the mock-up (Pathfinder?) at the KSC spaceflight museum next to the Saturn V display. The shuttles have earned it!

Personnel opinions from both of us.
New Orleans, LA. A well traveled tourist area, would give people one more place in America to see an ET, other space items, history and future. Not everyone can travel to the other locations.

I was fortunate to be able to flyby the two Saturn V/shuttle launch pads years ago. Totally different than a picture.