[dragonsky]

NASA gives California Science Center museum last remaining space shuttle fuel tank

The California Science Center is the only museum in the nation that planned to make its space shuttle exhibit with as many authentic parts as possible, set up as if it's ready to launch.

There was a problem. The enormous orange external fuel tank, which attaches to the shuttle's belly, is always burned up in the atmosphere shortly after liftoff. Museum officials figured they'd have to settle for a replica.

But in a coup for the Science Center, NASA has agreed to give the last remaining external fuel tank to the state-run museum's Endeavour exhibit, officials are announcing Thursday. The move is set for late this year, and would happen in November at the earliest.

The fuel tank is huge. At 153.8 feet in length, it is taller than a 15-story building and longer than Endeavour's 122 feet. But it is skinnier, with a diameter of 27.6 feet, because it has no wings, which will make it generally easier than the shuttle for movers to navigate the streets of Los Angeles.

At about 66,000 pounds, it is less than half the weight of Endeavour.

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/l...528-story.html