A liquid hydrogen tank of the Shuttle's external tank (ET) is installed into the S-1C Test Stand for a structural test at the Marshall Space Flight Center. At 154-feet long and more than 27-feet in diameter, the ET is the largest component of the Space Shuttle, the structural backbone of the entire Shuttle system, and is the only part of the vehicle that is not reusable. The ET is manufactured at the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans, Louisiana, by the Martin Marietta Corporation under management of the Marshall Space Flight Center.
The Space Shuttle main propulsion system includes three major elements. One of those elements is the External Tank (ET). The ET holds over one-half million gallons of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen that fuel the main engines.
This photo depicts the installation of an External Tank (ET) into the Marshall Space Flight Center Dynamic Test Stand, building 4550. It is being mated to the Solid Rocket Boosters (SRB's) for a Mated Vertical Ground Vibration Test (MVGVT). At 154-feet long and more than 27-feet in diameter, the ET is the largest component of the Space Shuttle, the structural backbone of the entire Shuttle system, and is the only part of the vehicle that is not reusable.
This photograph shows a liquid oxygen tank for the Shuttle External Tank (ET) during a hydroelastic modal survey test at the Marshall Space Flight Center. The ET provides liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen to the Shuttle's three main engines during the first 8.5 minutes of flight. At 154-feet long and more than 27-feet in diameter, the ET is the largest component of the Space Shuttle, the structural backbone of the entire Shuttle system, and is the only part of the vehicle that is not reusable. The ET is manufactured at the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans, Louisiana, by the Martin Marietta Corporation under management of the Marshall Space Flight Center.
This is a cutaway illustration of the Space Shuttle external tank (ET) with callouts. The giant cylinder, higher than a 15-story building, with a length of 154-feet (47-meters) and a diameter of 27.5-feet (8.4-meters), is the largest single piece of the Space Shuttle. During launch, the ET also acts as a backbone for the orbiter and solid rocket boosters. Separate pressurized tank sections within the external tank hold the liquid hydrogen fuel and liquid oxygen oxidizer for the Shuttle's three main engines. During launch, the ET feeds the fuel under pressure through 17-inch (43.2-centimeter) ducts that branch off into smaller lines that feed directly into the main engines. The main engines consume 64,000 gallons (242,260 liters) of fuel each minute. Machined from aluminum alloys, the Space Shuttle's external tank is currently the only part of the launch vehicle that is not reused. After its 526,000-gallons (1,991,071 liters) of propellants are consumed during the first 8.5-minutes of flight, it is jettisoned from the orbiter and breaks up in the upper atmosphere, its pieces falling into remote ocean waters. The Marshall Space Flight Center was responsible for developing the ET.
This photograph shows an inside view of a liquid hydrogen tank for the Space Shuttle external tank (ET) Main Propulsion Test Article (MPTA). The ET provides liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen to the Shuttle's three main engines during the first 8.5 minutes of flight. At 154-feet long and more than 27-feet in diameter, the ET is the largest component of the Space Shuttle, the structural backbone of the entire Shuttle system, and is the only part of the vehicle that is not reusable. The ET is manufactured at the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans, Louisiana, by the Martin Marietta Corporation under management of the Marshall Space Flight Center.
This is a view of the video camera mounted on the External Tank (ET) of the Space Shuttle Orbiter Atlantis (STS-112). The camera provided a view of the front and belly of the orbiter, a portion of the Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs), and ET during the launch. Located high on the ET liquid oxygen tank cable tray, the camera, 6 inches long and resembling a short thin flashlight, is inside an aluminum fairing covered in protective insulating foam. The battery pack and transmitter are contained in an electronics box and mounted in the intertank crossbeam inside the ET. The camera turned on 15 minutes prior to launch and operated for about 15 minutes following liftoff. At liftoff, viewers saw the Shuttle clearing the launch tower and, at 2 minutes after liftoff, saw the right SRB separate from the ET, and ET separation about 8 minutes into the flight. The video was downlinked from the ET during flight to several NASA data-receiving sites and then relayed to the live television broadcast. It provided the STS-112 team an opportunity to monitor the Shuttle's performance from a new angle. Launched on October 7, 2002, Atlantis carried its primary payload, the S1 Truss for the International Space Station.
This photograph shows the liquid hydrogen tank and liquid oxygen tank for the Space Shuttle external tank (ET) being assembled in the weld assembly area of the Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF). The ET provides liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen to the Shuttle's three main engines during the first eight 8.5 minutes of flight. At 154-feet long and more than 27-feet in diameter, the ET is the largest component of the Space Shuttle, the structural backbone of the entire Shuttle system, and the only part of the vehicle that is not reusable. The ET is manufactured at the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans, Louisiana, by the Martin Marietta Corporation under management of the Marshall Space Flight Center.
S88-37367 (March 28, 1988) --- The external tank (ET) for STS-27 arrived at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) today via ocean going barge and was moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) where preparations will soon begin to ready it for the second return flight launch of the Space Shuttle. The tank is 154 feet long, 27.5 feet in diameter, and holds a total of 1,585,379 pounds of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen fuel - fuel which is used by the orbiter's main engines during launch. The empty burnt orange colored tank weighs 1,667,677 pounds and is the only piece of flight hardware not recovered for reuse.
STS029-72-059 (13 March 1989) --- This 70mm photograph, taken by Astronaut James P. Bagian 16 minutes and 7 seconds after liftoff of Discovery, shows the external fuel tank (ET) against the background of Earth. The tank is falling away from the orbiter following ET separation. The left side shows the burn scar above the solid rocket booster (SRB) forward attach point. The burn is caused by the forward SRB separation motors firing during SRB separation. Post 51-L analysis of the thermal and pressure effects of the separation motor exhaust plume indicate that the scarring is not a safety hazard. However, photographs such as this one were requested for additional missions in order to document the phenomenon and corroborate this conclusion. The photo was made at 15:13:07 GMT, March 13, 1989. It was among the visuals used by the crew at its Mar. 28, 1989 post-flight press conference.
STS045-71-001 (24 March 1992) --- This 70mm photograph of the external fuel tank (ET) for STS-45 was photographed 4 1/2 minutes after having been jettisoned from Space Shuttle Atlantis. The excellent view of the starboard side of the ET shows both top and bottom attach points to the two solid rocket boosters (SRB). NASA engineers studying the STS-45 onboard photography deem the visible burn scars, caused by the SRBs, to be normal. The long thin pipe visible is the liquid oxygen line. At the bottom end of the large tank, both the liquid oxygen (nearest camera) and liquid hydrogen orbiter-to-ET attach hardware can be seen.
STS057-03-017 (21 June 1993) --- The external fuel tank falls toward Earth after being jettisoned from the Space Shuttle Endeavour as the spacecraft headed toward its ten-day stay in Earth orbit. A 35mm camera was used to record the ET jettison.
S134-E-005013 (16 May 2011) --- The STS-134 external fuel tank is seen during its release from space shuttle Endeavour in space following the successful launch on May 16, 2011. An STS-134 crew member using a hand-held still camera exposed the image. Photo credit: NASA
S134-E-005014 (16 May 2011) --- The STS-134 external fuel tank is seen during its release from space shuttle Endeavour in space following the successful launch on May 16, 2011. A camera in the umbilical well exposed the image. Photo credit: NASA
S134-E-005102 (16 May 2011) --- The STS-134 external fuel tank is seen during its release from space shuttle Endeavour in space following the successful launch on May 16, 2011. An STS-134 crew member using a hand-held still camera exposed the image. Photo credit: NASA
S134-E-005085 (16 May 2011) --- The STS-134 external fuel tank is seen during its release from space shuttle Endeavour in space following the successful launch on May 16, 2011. An STS-134 crew member using a hand-held still camera exposed the image. Photo credit: NASA
S89-27380 (15 Dec 1988) --- The 155-ft. long external fuel tank (ET) is slowly lowered for mating with the twin solid rocket boosters (SRB) in Bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at KSC, as preparations continue for a March 1989 launch of Discovery. Primary payload for the mission will be the tracking and data relay satellite (TDRS-D). Crewmembers are astronauts Michael L. Coats, John E. Blaha, James F. Buchli, Robert C. Springer and James P. Bagain.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space shuttle external fuel tank from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring space shuttle Atlantis, which is currently undergoing preparations to go on public display. The tank is being placed into temporary storage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The tank was part of a mockup of the external tank and two solid rocket boosters at the visitor complex that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. A space shuttle rode piggyback on the tank and boosters at liftoff and during the ascent into space. The tank, which held propellants for the shuttle's three main engines, was not reused, but burned up in the atmosphere and fell into the ocean. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossman
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space shuttle external fuel tank from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring space shuttle Atlantis, which is currently undergoing preparations to go on public display. The tank is being placed into temporary storage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The tank was part of a mockup of the external tank and two solid rocket boosters at the visitor complex that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. A space shuttle rode piggyback on the tank and boosters at liftoff and during the ascent into space. The tank, which held propellants for the shuttle's three main engines, was not reused, but burned up in the atmosphere and fell into the ocean. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossman
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A technician works on the removal of a full-size replica of a space shuttle external fuel tank from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring space shuttle Atlantis, which is currently undergoing preparations to go on public display. The tank is being placed into temporary storage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The tank was part of a mockup of the external tank and two solid rocket boosters at the visitor complex that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. A space shuttle rode piggyback on the tank and boosters at liftoff and during the ascent into space. The tank, which held propellants for the shuttle's three main engines, was not reused, but burned up in the atmosphere and fell into the ocean. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossman
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space shuttle external fuel tank from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring space shuttle Atlantis, which is currently undergoing preparations to go on public display. The tank is being placed into temporary storage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The tank was part of a mockup of the external tank and two solid rocket boosters at the visitor complex that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. A space shuttle rode piggyback on the tank and boosters at liftoff and during the ascent into space. The tank, which held propellants for the shuttle's three main engines, was not reused, but burned up in the atmosphere and fell into the ocean. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossman
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space shuttle external fuel tank from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring space shuttle Atlantis, which is currently undergoing preparations to go on public display. The tank is being placed into temporary storage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The tank was part of a mockup of the external tank and two solid rocket boosters at the visitor complex that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. A space shuttle rode piggyback on the tank and boosters at liftoff and during the ascent into space. The tank, which held propellants for the shuttle's three main engines, was not reused, but burned up in the atmosphere and fell into the ocean. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossman
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space shuttle external fuel tank from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring space shuttle Atlantis, which is currently undergoing preparations to go on public display. The tank is being placed into temporary storage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The tank was part of a mockup of the external tank and two solid rocket boosters at the visitor complex that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. A space shuttle rode piggyback on the tank and boosters at liftoff and during the ascent into space. The tank, which held propellants for the shuttle's three main engines, was not reused, but burned up in the atmosphere and fell into the ocean. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossman
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space shuttle external fuel tank from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring space shuttle Atlantis, which is currently undergoing preparations to go on public display. The tank is being placed into temporary storage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The tank was part of a mockup of the external tank and two solid rocket boosters at the visitor complex that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. A space shuttle rode piggyback on the tank and boosters at liftoff and during the ascent into space. The tank, which held propellants for the shuttle's three main engines, was not reused, but burned up in the atmosphere and fell into the ocean. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossman
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space shuttle external fuel tank from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring space shuttle Atlantis, which is currently undergoing preparations to go on public display. The tank is being placed into temporary storage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The tank was part of a mockup of the external tank and two solid rocket boosters at the visitor complex that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. A space shuttle rode piggyback on the tank and boosters at liftoff and during the ascent into space. The tank, which held propellants for the shuttle's three main engines, was not reused, but burned up in the atmosphere and fell into the ocean. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossman
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space shuttle external fuel tank from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring space shuttle Atlantis, which is currently undergoing preparations to go on public display. The tank is being placed into temporary storage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The tank was part of a mockup of the external tank and two solid rocket boosters at the visitor complex that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. A space shuttle rode piggyback on the tank and boosters at liftoff and during the ascent into space. The tank, which held propellants for the shuttle's three main engines, was not reused, but burned up in the atmosphere and fell into the ocean. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossman
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space shuttle external fuel tank from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring space shuttle Atlantis, which is currently undergoing preparations to go on public display. The tank is being placed into temporary storage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The tank was part of a mockup of the external tank and two solid rocket boosters at the visitor complex that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. A space shuttle rode piggyback on the tank and boosters at liftoff and during the ascent into space. The tank, which held propellants for the shuttle's three main engines, was not reused, but burned up in the atmosphere and fell into the ocean. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossman
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space shuttle external fuel tank from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring space shuttle Atlantis, which is currently undergoing preparations to go on public display. The tank is being placed into temporary storage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The tank was part of a mockup of the external tank and two solid rocket boosters at the visitor complex that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. A space shuttle rode piggyback on the tank and boosters at liftoff and during the ascent into space. The tank, which held propellants for the shuttle's three main engines, was not reused, but burned up in the atmosphere and fell into the ocean. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossman
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space shuttle external fuel tank from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring space shuttle Atlantis, which is currently undergoing preparations to go on public display. The tank is being placed into temporary storage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The tank was part of a mockup of the external tank and two solid rocket boosters at the visitor complex that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. A space shuttle rode piggyback on the tank and boosters at liftoff and during the ascent into space. The tank, which held propellants for the shuttle's three main engines, was not reused, but burned up in the atmosphere and fell into the ocean. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossman
THE FINAL PRODUCTION EXTERNAL TANK ROLLS TOWARDS IT’S BARGE RIDE TO CAPE CANVERAL, FL AFTER A CEREMONY MARKING THE OCCASION AT THE MICHOUD ASSEMBLY FACILITY IN NEW ORLEANS, LA.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space shuttle external fuel tank from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring space shuttle Atlantis, which is currently undergoing preparations to go on public display. The tank is being placed into temporary storage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The tank was part of a mockup of the external tank and two solid rocket boosters at the visitor complex that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. A space shuttle rode piggyback on the tank and boosters at liftoff and during the ascent into space. The tank, which held propellants for the shuttle's three main engines, was not reused, but burned up in the atmosphere and fell into the ocean. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossman
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space shuttle external fuel tank from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring space shuttle Atlantis, which is currently undergoing preparations to go on public display. The tank is being placed into temporary storage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The tank was part of a mockup of the external tank and two solid rocket boosters at the visitor complex that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. A space shuttle rode piggyback on the tank and boosters at liftoff and during the ascent into space. The tank, which held propellants for the shuttle's three main engines, was not reused, but burned up in the atmosphere and fell into the ocean. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossman
THE FINAL PRODUCTION EXTERNAL TANK ROLLS TOWARDS IT’S BARGE RIDE TO CAPE CANVERAL, FL AFTER A CEREMONY MARKING THE OCCASION AT THE MICHOUD ASSEMBLY FACILITY IN NEW ORLEANS, LA.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A tug boat begins towing the barge containing an External Tank (ET) to Port Canaveral. There one of the SRB Retrieval Ships will take over and tow the ET to the Michoud Space Systems Assembly Facility near New Orleans where redesign of the external tank is underway for Return to Flight.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A tug boat tows the barge containing an External Tank (ET) to Port Canaveral. There one of the SRB Retrieval Ships will take over and tow the ET to the Michoud Space Systems Assembly Facility near New Orleans where redesign of the external tank is underway for Return to Flight.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A tug boat tows the barge containing an External Tank (ET) to Port Canaveral. There one of the SRB Retrieval Ships will take over and tow the ET to the Michoud Space Systems Assembly Facility near New Orleans where redesign of the external tank is underway for Return to Flight.
STS-135 ET-138 External Tank Mated to SRB's
STS-135 ET-138 External Tank Mated to SRB's
STS-135 ET-138 External Tank Mated to SRB's
STS-135 ET-138 External Tank Mated to SRB's
STS-135 ET-138 External Tank Mated to SRB's
STS-135 ET-138 External Tank Mated to SRB's
STS-135 ET-138 External Tank Mated to SRB's
STS-135 ET-138 External Tank Mated to SRB's
STS-135 ET-138 External Tank Mated to SRB's
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shuttle external tank (ET) move and mate.
STS-135 ET-138 External Tank Mated to SRB's
STS-135 ET-138 External Tank Mated to SRB's
STS-135 ET-138 External Tank Mated to SRB's
STS-135 ET-138 External Tank Mated to SRB's
STS-135 ET-138 External Tank Mated to SRB's
STS-135 ET-138 External Tank Mated to SRB's
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed across the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area at KSC, the barge containing an External Tank (ET) waits to be towed to Port Canaveral. There one of the SRB Retrieval Ships will take over and tow the ET to the Michoud Space Systems Assembly Facility near New Orleans where redesign of the external tank is underway for Return to Flight.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Just after dawn, an alligator (in the foreground) watches as a tugboat pushes the Pegasus barge away from the dock at the Turn Basin in the Launch Complex 39 area. The barge is carrying external tank 119 (ET-119) and will be towed by the solid rocket booster retrieval ship Freedom Star to NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. Delivered to Kennedy in June, ET-119 is the third newly redesigned tank and is the only tank that contains the liquid oxygen heater. The tank is being returned to Michoud for testing and further modifications. ET-119 will be the tank used on return to flight mission STS-121.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Just after dawn, the Pegasus barge is towed away from the Turn Basin in the Launch Complex 39 area. The barge is carrying external tank 119 (ET-119) and will be towed by the solid rocket booster retrieval ship Freedom Star to NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. Delivered to Kennedy in June, ET-119 is the third newly redesigned tank and is the only tank that contains the liquid oxygen heater. The tank is being returned to Michoud for testing and further modifications. ET-119 will be the tank used on return to flight mission STS-121.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Lockheed Martin technicians from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in Louisiana install a clean-room working area around the "manhole" on the external tank designated for mission STS-121. The work is part of the process in removing and replacing the external tank's four liquid hydrogen main engine cutoff sensors, which indicate whether the tank still has fuel during its climb to orbit. After the cleaning, the manhole will be removed to provide access to the area of the sensors for their removal. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers begin removal of the nose cap on top of external tank number 119, the tank designated for mission STS-121. The cap is being removed in order to install a new gaseous oxygen vent valve under the nose cap. Vapors are created prior to launch as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boils off. At the forward end of each external tank propellant tank is a vent and relief valve that can be opened before launch for venting or by excessive tank pressure for relief. The vent function is available only before launch. Mission STS-121 to the International Space Station is scheduled for launch in July. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the nose cap on top of external tank number 119 has been removed. A new gaseous oxygen vent valve will be installed. Tank 119 is designated for mission STS-121. Vapors are created prior to launch as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boils off. At the forward end of each external tank propellant tank is a vent and relief valve that can be opened before launch for venting or by excessive tank pressure for relief. The vent function is available only before launch. Mission STS-121 to the International Space Station is scheduled for launch in July. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Lockheed Martin technicians from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in Louisiana create a clean-room working area around the "manhole" on the external tank designated for mission STS-121. The work is part of the process in removing and replacing the external tank's four liquid hydrogen main engine cutoff sensors, which indicate whether the tank still has fuel during its climb to orbit. After the cleaning, the manhole will be removed to provide access to the area of the sensors for their removal. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Lockheed Martin technicians from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in Louisiana clean the area around the "manhole" on the external tank designated for mission STS-121. The work is part of the process in removing and replacing the external tank's four liquid hydrogen main engine cutoff sensors, which indicate whether the tank still has fuel during its climb to orbit. After the cleaning, the manhole will be removed to provide access to the area of the sensors for their removal. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers remove the nose cap on top of external tank number 119, the tank designated for mission STS-121. The cap is being removed in order to install a new gaseous oxygen vent valve under the nose cap. Vapors are created prior to launch as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boils off. At the forward end of each external tank propellant tank is a vent and relief valve that can be opened before launch for venting or by excessive tank pressure for relief. The vent function is available only before launch. Mission STS-121 to the International Space Station is scheduled for launch in July. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, workers on different levels watch as orbiter Discovery is lifted by crane away from the External Tank and Solid Rocket Boosters (behind the orbiter). After demating from its External Tank (ET), the orbiter will be placed on a transporter in the transfer aisle and moved to high bay 3 for remating with another tank, ET-121. Discovery is expected to be rolled back to the launch pad in mid-June for Return to Flight mission STS-114. The launch window extends from July 13 to July 31.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the 122-foot-long orbiter Discovery is suspended in mid-air after being lifted away from the 154-foot-high External Tank and Solid Rocket Boosters. After demating from its External Tank (ET), the orbiter will be placed on a transporter in the transfer aisle and moved to high bay 3 for remating with another tank, ET-121. Discovery is expected to be rolled back to the launch pad in mid-June for Return to Flight mission STS-114. The launch window extends from July 13 to July 31.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the orbiter Discovery is being lifted away from the External Tank and Solid Rocket Boosters (behind the orbiter). After demating from its External Tank (ET), the orbiter will be placed on a transporter in the transfer aisle and moved to high bay 3 for remating with another tank, ET-121. Discovery is expected to be rolled back to the launch pad in mid-June for Return to Flight mission STS-114. The launch window extends from July 13 to July 31.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the 122-foot-long orbiter Discovery is lifted above the 154-foot-high External Tank and Solid Rocket Boosters. After demating from its External Tank (ET), the orbiter will be placed on a transporter in the transfer aisle and moved to high bay 3 for remating with another tank, ET-121. Discovery is expected to be rolled back to the launch pad in mid-June for Return to Flight mission STS-114. The launch window extends from July 13 to July 31.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, a worker on an upper level watches as orbiter Discovery is lifted by crane away from the External Tank and Solid Rocket Boosters. After demating from its External Tank (ET), the orbiter will be placed on a transporter in the transfer aisle and moved to high bay 3 for remating with another tank, ET-121. Discovery is expected to be rolled back to the launch pad in mid-June for Return to Flight mission STS-114. The launch window extends from July 13 to July 31.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, workers on various levels watch as orbiter Discovery is lifted by crane away from the External Tank and Solid Rocket Boosters (behind the orbiter). After demating from its External Tank (ET), the orbiter will be placed on a transporter in the transfer aisle and moved to high bay 3 for remating with another tank, ET-121. Discovery is expected to be rolled back to the launch pad in mid-June for Return to Flight mission STS-114. The launch window extends from July 13 to July 31.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the 122-foot-long orbiter Discovery is suspended more than 400 feet above the floor after being lifted away from the 154-foot-high External Tank (below) and Solid Rocket Boosters. After demating from its External Tank (ET), the orbiter will be placed on a transporter in the transfer aisle and moved to high bay 3 for remating with another tank, ET-121. Discovery is expected to be rolled back to the launch pad in mid-June for Return to Flight mission STS-114. The launch window extends from July 13 to July 31.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the 122-foot-long orbiter Discovery is suspended in mid-air after being lifted away from the 154-foot-high External Tank (below) and Solid Rocket Boosters. After demating from its External Tank (ET), the orbiter will be placed on a transporter in the transfer aisle and moved to high bay 3 for remating with another tank, ET-121. Discovery is expected to be rolled back to the launch pad in mid-June for Return to Flight mission STS-114. The launch window extends from July 13 to July 31.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The crane lifting orbiter Discovery casts an arc shadow across the underside of the nose as a silhouetted worker at right watches. The orbiter, in high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, is being lifted away from the External Tank and Solid Rocket Boosters. After demating from its External Tank (ET), the orbiter will be placed on a transporter in the transfer aisle and moved to high bay 3 for remating with another tank, ET-121. Discovery is expected to be rolled back to the launch pad in mid-June for Return to Flight mission STS-114. The launch window extends from July 13 to July 31.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the 122-foot-long orbiter Discovery is suspended more than 400 feet above the floor after being lifted away from the 154-foot-high External Tank (below) and Solid Rocket Boosters. After demating from its External Tank (ET), the orbiter will be placed on a transporter in the transfer aisle and moved to high bay 3 for remating with another tank, ET-121. Discovery is expected to be rolled back to the launch pad in mid-June for Return to Flight mission STS-114. The launch window extends from July 13 to July 31.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Under pre-dawn skies of blue and red, External Tank 119 is loaded onto the barge at the Turn Basin. The tank will embark on a voyage around the Florida peninsula to the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. Delivered to KSC in June, ET-119 is the third newly redesigned tank.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External Tank 119 is lowered to the transfer aisle in the Vehicle Assembly Building. There it will be lowered and placed on the transporter to be moved to the barge at the Turn Basin. The tank will embark on a voyage around the Florida peninsula to the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. Delivered to KSC in June, ET-119 is the third newly redesigned tank.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Under pre-dawn skies of blue and red, External Tank 119 is loaded onto the barge at the Turn Basin. The tank will embark on a voyage around the Florida peninsula to the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. Delivered to KSC in June, ET-119 is the third newly redesigned tank.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A barge carrying a new External Tank (ET) arrives at the Turn Basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area. Designated ET-119, the tank will be used on a future Space Shuttle launch. After being offloaded, the tank will be transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building. The barge was towed on a 900-mile journey at sea from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans by one of NASA’s Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ships.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building, United Space Alliance technician Rob Williams tests the spray gun before starting aft hard-point closeout spray on the External Tank (ET).The spray is being applied on an area of the tank where the ET is mated to the transporter. Foam is not applied to that area at the Michoud Assembly Facility in Louisiana to avoid damage to the foam during travel. The ET, which arrived at KSC Jan. 5, is in the checkout cell for final processing. The tank is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Discovery on Return to Flight mission STS-114. The launch window is May 12 to June 3.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building, United Space Alliance technician Ed Carillion attaches the foam spray nozzle to the spray gun to be used for the aft hard-point closeout spray on the External Tank (ET). The spray is being applied on an area of the tank where the ET is mated to the transporter. Foam is not applied to that area at the Michoud Assembly Facility in Louisiana to avoid damage to the foam during travel. The ET, which arrived at KSC Jan. 5, is in the checkout cell for final processing. The tank is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Discovery on Return to Flight mission STS-114. The launch window is May 12 to June 3.
S131-E-005956 (5 April 2010) --- Backdropped by a cloud-covered part of Earth, the STS-131 external fuel tank (ET) begins its relative separation from the Space Shuttle Discovery following launch.
S131-E-005978 (5 April 2010) --- Backdropped by a blue and white part of Earth, the STS-131 external fuel tank (ET) begins its relative separation from the Space Shuttle Discovery following launch.
Aboard a transporter, external tank No. 120 heads for the open door of the Vehicle Assembly Building. There it will be lifted into a checkout cell. ET-120 will be used for launching Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-120 in October.
S131-E-006014 (5 April 2010) --- Backdropped by a cloud-covered part of Earth, the STS-131 external fuel tank (ET) begins its relative separation from the Space Shuttle Discovery following launch.
S131-E-005953 (5 April 2010) --- Backdropped by a cloud-covered part of Earth, the STS-131 external fuel tank (ET) begins its relative separation from the Space Shuttle Discovery following launch.
S125-E-005085 (11 May 2009) --- Backdropped by a blue and white part of Earth, the STS-125 external fuel tank (ET) begins its relative separation from the Space Shuttle Atlantis following launch.
In its mated liftoff configuration of External Tank (ET) and Solid Rocket Boosters (SRB's), the Orbiter Enterprise (OV101) is pictured in the Marshall Space Flight Center Dynamic Test Stand for a Mated Vertical Ground Vibration Test (MVGVT).
S131-E-006008 (5 April 2010) --- Backdropped by a blue and white part of Earth, the STS-131 external fuel tank (ET) begins its relative separation from the Space Shuttle Discovery following launch.
S131-E-005989 (5 April 2010) --- Backdropped by a blue and white part of Earth, the STS-131 external fuel tank (ET) begins its relative separation from the Space Shuttle Discovery following launch.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, External Tank-138 is lifted above the transfer aisle. The external fuel tank is being moved into a test cell where it will be checked out before launch. ET-138, the last newly manufactured tank, was originally designated to fly on Endeavour's STS-134 mission to the International Space Station, but later reassigned to fly on space shuttle Atlantis' final mission, STS-135. For information, visit www.nasa.gov_shuttle. Photo credit: NASA_Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, External Tank-138 is being transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building. The external fuel tank arrived in Florida on July 13, from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. ET-138, the last newly manufactured tank, was originally designated to fly on Endeavour's STS-134 mission to the International Space Station, but later reassigned to fly on space shuttle Atlantis' final mission, STS-135. For information, visit www.nasa.gov_shuttle. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, external tank No. 120 waits to be fitted with overhead crane. The tank will be lifted into a checkout cell. ET-120 will be used for launching Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-120 in October. NASA/Amanda Diller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, External Fuel Tank-122 is suspended vertically over the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building as it is lifted toward a test cell. ET-122, the Space Shuttle Program's last external fuel tank was delivered to Kennedy's Turn Basin from NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans aboard the Pegasus Barge. After testing, ET-122 eventually will be attached to space shuttle Endeavour for the STS-134 mission to the International Space Station targeted to launch February, 2011. For more information visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, External Fuel Tank-122 sits on its transporter in the transfer aisle waiting to be lifted into a test cell. ET-122, the Space Shuttle Program's last external fuel tank was delivered to Kennedy's Turn Basin from NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans aboard the Pegasus Barge. After testing, ET-122 eventually will be attached to space shuttle Endeavour for the STS-134 mission to the International Space Station targeted to launch February, 2011. For more information visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, External Fuel Tank-122 is being lowered toward a test stand where it will be checked out before launch. ET-122, the Space Shuttle Program's last external fuel tank was delivered to Kennedy's Turn Basin from NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans aboard the Pegasus Barge. After testing, ET-122 eventually will be attached to space shuttle Endeavour for the STS-134 mission to the International Space Station targeted to launch February, 2011. For more information visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers check the hoist connections on External Fuel Tank-122 as it is lifted toward a test cell. ET-122, the Space Shuttle Program's last external fuel tank was delivered to Kennedy's Turn Basin from NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans aboard the Pegasus Barge. After testing, ET-122 eventually will be attached to space shuttle Endeavour for the STS-134 mission to the International Space Station targeted to launch February, 2011. For more information visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers monitor the progress of External Fuel Tank-122 as it is lifted toward a test cell. ET-122, the Space Shuttle Program's last external fuel tank was delivered to Kennedy's Turn Basin from NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans aboard the Pegasus Barge. After testing, ET-122 eventually will be attached to space shuttle Endeavour for the STS-134 mission to the International Space Station targeted to launch February, 2011. For more information visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, External Fuel Tank-122 is being lowered onto a test stand where it will be checked out before launch. ET-122, the Space Shuttle Program's last external fuel tank was delivered to Kennedy's Turn Basin from NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans aboard the Pegasus Barge. After testing ET-122 eventually will be attached to space shuttle Endeavour for the STS-134 mission to the International Space Station targeted to launch February, 2011. For more information visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, External Fuel Tank-122 is being lowered toward a test stand where it will be checked out before launch. ET-122, the Space Shuttle Program's last external fuel tank was delivered to Kennedy's Turn Basin from NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans aboard the Pegasus Barge. After testing, ET-122 eventually will be attached to space shuttle Endeavour for the STS-134 mission to the International Space Station targeted to launch February, 2011. For more information visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers check the hoist connections on External Fuel Tank-122 as it is lifted toward a test cell. ET-122, the Space Shuttle Program's last external fuel tank was delivered to Kennedy's Turn Basin from NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans aboard the Pegasus Barge. After testing, ET-122 eventually will be attached to space shuttle Endeavour for the STS-134 mission to the International Space Station targeted to launch February, 2011. For more information visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External Tank 118 (ET-118) is lifted from its cell in the Vehicle Assembly Building in order to place it on a transporter. The tank will be transferred to NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. The tank is being installed with an improved bipod fitting, which connects the external fuel tank to the Shuttle during launch. The new design, a significant milestone in the effort to return the Shuttle to safe flight, replaces the foam that was used to prevent ice buildup on the tank’s bipod fittings with four rod-shaped heaters. The heaters are being retrofitted on the 11 existing tanks and incorporated into the manufacture of all new tanks.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External Tank 118 (ET-118) is lowered from its cell in the Vehicle Assembly Building in order to place it on a transporter. The tank will be transferred to NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. The tank is being installed with an improved bipod fitting, which connects the external fuel tank to the Shuttle during launch. The new design, a significant milestone in the effort to return the Shuttle to safe flight, replaces the foam that was used to prevent ice buildup on the tank’s bipod fittings with four rod-shaped heaters. The heaters are being retrofitted on the 11 existing tanks and incorporated into the manufacture of all new tanks.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External Tank 118 (ET-118) progresses slowly from the Vehicle Assembly Building, in the background, to the barge in the Turn Basin at Launch Complex 39. The tank will be transported to NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. The tank is being installed with an improved bipod fitting, which connects the external fuel tank to the Shuttle during launch. The new design, a significant milestone in the effort to return the Shuttle to safe flight, replaces the foam that was used to prevent ice buildup on the tank’s bipod fittings with four rod-shaped heaters. The heaters are being retrofitted on the 11 existing tanks and incorporated into the manufacture of all new tanks.