This Massive Space Shuttle External Tank Is Heading To California Science Center

A massive, unused fuel tank supposedly designed for NASA's former space shuttle program is heading to its new home in Los Angeles, California.

Known as ET-94, the 154-foot-long external tank will be integrated with the space shuttle Endeavour at the California Science Center for museum display.

The fuel tank, which weighs 66,000 pounds (33 US tons), was the space agency's last flight-qualified tank. NASA never used it until the shuttle program came to a halt.

Droves of people came to watch as the fuel tank trekked through LA streets. Those who took photos and videos of the space shuttle tank used the hashtag #ETComesHome and #ET94.

A Journey To A New Home

ET-94 arrived at coastal Marina Del Rey by barge on May 18, moving towards the science center a few minutes after midnight at a speed of 5 mph. It took 30 engineers to figure out how the humongous fuel tank would be carried to its new home.

Experts estimate that the tank will arrive at the California Science Center 13 to 18 hours after its initial journey.

Southern California public radio station KPCC reported that the fuel tank would affect 50 of LA's intersections and "make two epic turns." According to LA Times, the turn is a slow process that would involve eight crew members guiding the transport device. Several crews had to loosen street lights, utility lines and traffic lights in preparation for the huge tank's journey.

The lines and lights will be reinstalled immediately after the trip. The fuel tank was escorted by a fire truck, police and a crew of LA city officials as it passed through car washes, taco shops and other establishments.

A Legacy In Science

Several kids who were wearing home-made space helmets were enthralled when they saw the gigantic tank. One of them was 11-year-old Cindy Hernandez of Inglewood. "It will be a memory for me," she said.

Astronaut Mike Fincke, who flew on the final flight of Endeavour in 2011, said kids are going to remember the event their whole lives.

"It's this next generation of explorers," said Fincke.

Once the fuel tank arrives at the California Science Center, it will be restored alongside the Endeavour space shuttle.

The science center will become the only place in the world where anyone can view a complete external tank, solid rocket boosters, and orbiter with real flight hardware in launch configuration.

Endeavour In History

ET-94, which is the last of its kind, had a predecessor named ET-93. The latter was used to transport the space shuttle Columbia in 2013, which was destroyed as it re-entered our planet's atmosphere.

NASA extensively studied ET-94 to figure out whether the tank style contributed to the ill-fated accident. ET-94 will now remain at the science center.