NASA Space Shuttle Fuel Tank to Trek Through LA Streets, Join Endeavour

The last remaining external tank, built for the space shuttle program but never used in flight, will take a journey from a NASA facility in New Orleans to the busy roadways of Los Angeles next month.

The massive 65,000-pound propellant tank will depart the Michoud Assembly Facility on April 12 and will be transported by barge through the Panama Canal, officials said Thursday.

The tank, dubbed the ET-94, will then travel through Los Angeles streets and to its final destination at the California Science Center in Exposition Park.

When the Shuttle Endeavour made its way to the California Science Center in 2012, it was missing the external fuel tank. Now, the ET-94 will be on display along with the retired space shuttle.

Museum officials outlined the tank's 6-to-8 week journey, which is expected to arrive at Fisherman's Village in Marina del Rey on May 18.

After it arrives in Los Angeles, the tank will be pulled by a truck about 12 miles on highways and streets on May 21. The journey on city streets could take 13 to 18 hours, officials said.

Officials say some trees may have to be trimmed, but not removed as when the Endeavour took a similar path in 2012.