Connecting the liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen tanks, the intertank is built differently from the rest of the core stage. It is bolted together, not welded, with ribs on the outside for strength.
Connecting the liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen tanks, the intertank is built differently from the rest of the core stage. It is bolted together, not welded, with ribs on the outside for strength. The added strength is required because the intertank is a connection point for the rocket’s twin solid rocket boosters. The intertank also houses avionics and electronics.
Image Credit: NASA/Michoud