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To: Waverunner

Yes, but most of the time LOX and LH2 are low-pressure, thin walled structures. The fuel and oxidizer are pressurized using turbopumps. The External Tank of the Shuttle was thin-walled and collapsed on itself during re-entry, leaving a debris field in the Atlantic.

Now, if there are no turbopumps involved, then you would need a much thicker tank, as the fuel and oxidizer would be under high pressure.


80 posted on 01/31/2018 1:56:48 PM PST by kosciusko51
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To: kosciusko51

As would happen on a satellite maneuvering system where the propellant would be under pressure with no or minimal venting for extended periods of time ( like years) requiring a very solid walled tank that may or may not be exposed to direct sunlight depending on the design of the satellite. Remember - the life of a satellite has orbit maintenance burns , or the ability to change orbit ( for surveillance missions) as part of it’s design.


88 posted on 02/01/2018 11:17:51 AM PST by Waverunner (I'd like to welcome our new overlords, say hello to my little friend)
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