Reuse the external fuel tanks in space.

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Valcan

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Ok a long time ago i read something about instead of thowing away the shttles external fuel tank taking it up to leo and using it for something else like habitat. Its huge so it could create alot of space. Or useing it along with others in a built up support structure to provide habitat for the crew and for a fuel (for vasimr or similar tech) tank on a trip to mars or farther out.

I wanted to know why has no one never attemped to do this. And would it be possible.
 
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Valcan

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Info/pics:

Length: 153.8 ft (46.9 m)
Diameter: 27.6 ft (8.4 m)
Empty Weight: 58,500 lb (26,500 kg)
Gross Liftoff Weight: 1,680,000 lb (760,000 kg)
LOX tank

Length: 54.6 ft (16.6 m)
Diameter: 27.6 ft (8.4 m)
Volume (at 22 psig): 19,541.66 cu ft (146,181.8 US gal; 553,358 l)
LOX mass (at 22 psig): 1,387,457 lb (629,340 kg)
Operation Pressure: 20–22 psi (140–150 kPa) (gauge)
Intertank

Length: 22.6 ft (6.9 m)
Diameter: 27.6 ft (8.4 m)
LH2 tank

Length: 97.0 ft (29.6 m)
Diameter: 27.6 ft (8.4 m)
Volume (at 29.3 psig): 52,881.61 cu ft (395,581.9 US gal; 1,497,440 l)
LH2 mass (at 29.3 psig): 234,265 lb (106,261 kg)
Operation Pressure: 32–34 psi (220–230 kPa) (absolute)
Operation Temperature: −423 °F (−252.8 °C)[3]
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http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/c ... utaway.jpg
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The veiw of the EFT on the ares V (they still talking about maybe using it or jupiter direct?)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/e ... d_View.PNG
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Diagram for jupiter direct
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/c ... ploded.jpg
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Just thought some might find it interesting
 
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SpaceTas

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Yes this was a suggested idea. You would need some small boosters. Converting all that volume into habitat would have been difficult. Easier would be to modify them a fueling or water stations.

I also recall a variation on the idea, convert on into a huge cosmic-ray detector. This idea was more feasible in that the conversion could be done on the ground; all that was needed was fill them in space with the working gas.

But another good idea never really followed up by NASA.
 
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