Last External Tank on Earth

The external tank was the fuel tank for the space shuttle orbiter, carrying liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen that mixed and ignited in the space shuttle main engines to help push the shuttle to orbit. Unlike the other space shuttle components, it was not reused; after launch it detached from the orbiter and fell back toward Earth, breaking apart in the atmosphere. ET-94 is the last remaining external tank built for flight, though it was never launched, and it will be restored for display with Endeavour in the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Gallery. Just before midnight on October 11, 2012, Endeavour began a once-ever journey through Los Angeles and Inglewood from Los Angeles International Airport to the California Science Center on specially steered transport wheels. Moving an orbiter 78 feet wide, 57 feet high, and 122 feet long through narrow city streets required more than 100 people, including engineers, technicians, police, firefighters, and volunteers, who lifted power lines, removed traffic lights, cleared the route, and supported the effort. During the 68-hour trip of 12 miles, Endeavour made planned stops for work and celebrations, and about 15 million people lined the sidewalks to celebrate the event.

Los Angeles, California · United States