This massive orange structure before us is ET-94. It’s not just any tank. This is the last flight-qualified external fuel tank for NASA’s Space Shuttle Program. Imagine the sheer scale of it 154 feet long and weighing over 65000 pounds.
ET-94 has quite the history. It wasn’t always orange. Early tanks were painted white to protect the foam insulation from the sun’s UV rays. This added 600 pounds to the tank’s weight. After discovering that the foam only changed color that practice was stopped. This saved weight allowed for more science experiments on later missions. Engineers continuously sought to lighten the load. They developed lightweight tanks then super lightweight tanks.
ET-94 is a lightweight tank. It played a crucial role after the Columbia disaster in 2003. Its sister tank ET-93 fueled the ill-fated mission. Scientists extensively studied ET-94 to understand the role of the tank’s foam in the accident. Some foam was removed during the analysis requiring later repairs.
After the analysis ET-94 was destined for space but it was never used. New super-lightweight tanks were developed. NASA donated ET-94 to the California Science Center. It undertook an incredible journey. It traveled by barge from New Orleans through the Panama Canal to Marina del Rey. Then it was towed through the streets of Los Angeles. It arrived in 2016. It is now part of an ambitious exhibit. It’s a complete stack of Space Transportation System hardware. The only one of its kind in existence. ET-94’s journey is a story of innovation. It’s a tale of tragedy and ultimately a testament to the enduring legacy of the Space Shuttle Program. A piece of history for all to see.